Rizal Gov. Jun Ynares III said on Thursday a total of 29 people in the province have so far died of leptospirosis while 168 are still under observation.

In an interview, Ynares said the provincial government is closely coordinating with the epidemiologic and surveillance officers of respective towns, municipalities and cities in the province to prevent the spread of the disease which has so far claimed the lives of some 138 people in Metro Manila alone based on the figures released by the Department of Health (DoH).

He said 40,000 capsules of 100-mg doxycyline have already been distributed to all municipalities and one city of the province for the treatment of those affected by the disease.

"We have conducted lectures and issued interim guidelines on the prophylactic treatment of leptospirosis. Aside from this, the clearing of roads with mud is still ongoing. We are doing these to prevent the increase of leptospirosis case," Ynares said.

A 58-year-old man from Montalban, Rizal, it was recalled, was the first casualty during the apparent t outbreak of leptospirosis in Rizal.

Because of this development, Dr. Illuminado Victoria, the provincial health chief, has advised the people to protect themselves from leptospirosis by following these guidelines:

• Do not swim or wade in freshwater streams, ponds or lakes when you have open cuts or sores;
• Do not drink stream, pond or lake water without boiling or chemically treating it;
• Control rats and mice in areas around the home and work sites;
• Wear gloves when disposing of dead animals and when gutting (cleaning) livestock or game animals;
• Drain areas that have still, standing water.

Meanwhile in San Fernando City, La Union, health authorities confirmed the continuous increase in the number of individuals infected with the dreaded leptospirosis because of their exposure to the previous floodwaters which were contaminated by animal urine.

From the original 12 individuals who were reportedly afflicted with leptospirosis over the past several days, the number of cases suddenly increased to 43. They came from different parts of this province.

At the same time, the number of deaths also increased to six from the earlier reported three fatalities.