Leptospirosis Fatalities Rise in Bacolod City Floods
BACOLOD CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) has reported two additional leptospirosis fatalities, raising the total deaths to five as of June 9. These recent losses emphasize the growing threat of leptospirosis in flood-affected areas.
The fourth victim was a 43-year-old man from Barangay 21. He had waded through floodwaters on May 13 and 24. Before being admitted to the hospital on May 25, he experienced fever and multiple episodes of diarrhea. Sadly, he died on June 3 due to severe leptospirosis.
New Fatality Linked to Floodwater Exposure
The fifth victim was a 57-year-old woman from Barangay Handumanan. She had entered floodwaters earlier this month to scatter poison at home to address a rat infestation, according to Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environment and Sanitation Division. The woman developed difficulty breathing, fever, and occasional cough but did not seek medical help immediately.
She was hospitalized on June 8 and passed away the following day from severe leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis Cases Climb Amid Flooding
As of June 7, the CHO recorded 10 leptospirosis cases, a 25% increase from the same period last year when there were eight cases and two fatalities. Barangays Banago and Handumanan each reported two cases, while Barangays 12, 21, Estefania, Mansilingan, Bata, and Villamonte each had one case.
The first three fatalities included a 52-year-old drainage cleaner from Barangay Villamonte who died on January 25, a 47-year-old man from Barangay Banago who passed on April 20, and a 17-year-old teenager from Barangay Bata last month.
Local health officials continue to urge residents to avoid wading through floodwaters whenever possible and seek early medical care if symptoms arise.
For more news and updates on leptospirosis fatalities rise, visit Filipinokami.com.