CITY OF SAN FERANANDO, Pampanga — Leptospirosis cases in Central Luzon (CL) has reached 282, with at least 18 deaths as of Tuesday.

Region 3 Health Office bared this as it said the fatalities came from Nueva Ecija, 10; Bulacan, 2; Tarlac, 3; Aurora, 2; and Pampanga, 1.

Regional health officials expressed alarm over the increasing cases of leptospirosis, prompting them to intensify monitoring and information drive.

Of the 282 cases in Central Luzon, 226 were reported in Nueva Ecija, 22 in Bulacan, 21 in Tarlac, 9 in Pampanga, and 4 in Aurora.

Health officials advised residents to undergo vaccination as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio M. Umali alerted the Provincial Health Office because of the growing number of fatal cases of leptospirosis in the province.

On the other hand, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Benjamin Lopez said there is nothing to worry about an outbreak of leptospirosis in the province as the situation remains under control despite the 10 fatalities.