BAWANG, La Union — Health authorities here warned of an outbreak on the dreaded leptospirosis infection due to the increasing number of deaths and victims as a result of the contaminated floodwaters.

Out of the six deaths because of leptospirosis in the whole province, three persons, including a 15-year old boy, come from this town.

On the other hand, 23 out of the 56 leptospirosis cases which were reported in the province also come from the different barangays of the town.

The municipal health office claimed the increasing number of leptospirosis cases in the town is considered to be alarming which could result to an outbreak.

To ensure that the spread of the leptopira bacteria to the critical organs of the body will be prevented, health officials advised individuals having influenza-like symptoms to immediately seek medical consultation so that they could be accorded appropriate medication.

In Cebu, leptospirosis claimed its first victim after a 19-year-old man died inside the city-owned Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

Assistant City Epidemiologist Dorenda Macasucol identified the fatality as Junrick Antia, a resident of Sta. Rosa Island.

Since January of this year, the city has recorded only five cases of leptospirosis. The four others have already recovered from the disease, said Macasucol.

Macasucol said the cases of leptospirosis in the city remain under control but she urged the public not to be very complacent about it. She said the public should stay away from flood waters or other dirty water to avoid contracting the disease.

As this developed, the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH 7) is set to conduct contact-tracing on the families and relatives of the three patients who were diagnosed with the deadly leptospirosis disease in Cebu just for the month of September alone.

DOH 7 Assistant Director Dr. Angelita Salarda said they will start investigating and trace the health conditions of the patients’ family members.