Leptospirosis cases on the rise in Cebu City; 5 deaths reported

CEBU CITY — Poor sanitation has given rise to leptospirosis cases in this city that five persons have died in nine months.

Edgar Pangue, city assistant epidemiologist, said leptospirosis cases have nearly doubled this year at 26 from 14 cases, with three deaths, during the same period last year.

The high incidence of leptospirosis was noted in July and August, with a combined 12 cases, the youngest victim being five years old and the oldest, 56.

Pangue said those infected with the disease had waded in floodwaters contaminated with rat’s urine.

Leptospirosis cases were highest in Barangay Quiot-Pardo. Other affected barangays are Carreta, Ermita, Labangon, Pahina Central, Pasil and Suba.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease associated with wild and domestic animals which is spread mainly by the urine of infected animals.

Among its symptoms are high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches and vomiting.

They may also include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea and rashes.

If left untreated, leptospirosis could damage the kidneys and develop into meningitis where the membranes around the brain and spinal cord are inflamed.

It could also cause the liver to malfunction or distress the respiratory system or give rise to complications that could cause death.

Because of its many symptoms, leptospirosis can be mistaken for other diseases that laboratory testing of blood or urine samples is required to confirm the onset of the disease.

Pangue said the initial signs and symptoms of leptospirosis usually appear in four to nine days after exposure.

He said inefficient garbage disposal and clogged drainage systems give rise to breeding areas where floodwaters are contaminated with the urine of rats.

"Leptospirosis in the urban setting can be prevented if cleanliness in the locality is maintained. General cleaning of ditches and canals is important to prevent flooding. The public must be properly educated on the prevention and control of leptospirosis," Pangue saiid. — Freeman News Service