SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga – The Department of Health (DoH) regional office here reported Friday that the number of leptospirosis cases in Central Luzon has reached 191, with 13 deaths, situation considered as alarming level.

DoH Central Luzon Assistant Regional Director Ben Arca said the DoH has already intensified its preventive measures and campaign against this dreaded disease, particularly in areas that were severely hit by floodwaters and low-lying areas in the region.

Dr. Arca advised persons who have waded through floodwaters to immediately consult a doctor should they have develop symptoms of this dreaded disease.

“We continue our campaign and we intensified it through the release of an advisory about this disease,” Arca told newsmen.

Based on the latest data, it showed that from September 4 to October 19, the highest number of cases in the region was noted in Nueva Ecija with 86, including three reported deaths. In Tarlac, 44 cases with two fatalities were reported, while 41 cases with four deaths were reported in Bulacan.

Pampanga, on the hand, has 10 cases with three deaths, while Zambales has six cases with no death. Aurora has four cases with one fatality.

Bataan is lucky enough since it has no case of leptospirosis as of Saturday, said Dr. Ria Baltazar, chief of Bataan General Hospital.

Based on the records, Dr. Arca said the persons who are mostly affected are from 21 to 30 age group.

Medical expert said leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by absorbing bacteria-contaminated water through cuts in the skin, or taking in contaminated food. While the disease is commonly associated with rat urine, infection can also come from animals like cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, and wild animals.

The bacteria live in fresh water and are killed immediately by heat, disinfectant, acids, and alkalis, he said.

The disease’s incubation period is seven to 12 days after exposure.
Symptoms may appear suddenly as early as four days after exposure or as late as 21 days, the DoH official said.