DAGUPAN CITY– Leptospirosis cases in Pangasinan have dropped but health officials here said the public should not let their guard down against the threat of the water-borne disease.
Dr. Anna Maria Teresa de Guzman, provincial health officer, said the office has, so far, recorded 19 cases of leptospirosis from January 1 to July 4 this year which is 17 percent lower than the 23 cases noted from same period last year.
However, the PHO has urged the public not to be complacent against leptospirosis especially since rainy season has started and more typhoons are expected to enter the country.
“Kami ay nangangamba na baka tumaas pa ang kaso ng leptospirosis kung kaya sa ating mga hospitals ay nagpapa-express lane para sa mga nilalagnat ng tatlo hanggang limang araw para ma-detect agad kung apektado ng leptospirosis ang pasyente,” De Guzman said.
The PHO also advised the public to avoid wading in floodwaters but if not possible, one has to wear a protective gear like boots to protect themselves from contaminated water.
Moreover, the PHO has coordinated with barangay health workers to conduct lectures in the communities to inform the residents on how to avoid leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis can be contracted when floodwaters, mixed with the urine of animals such as rats, seeped into the human body through open wounds or other openings.
The disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea and rash. (PIA-1, Pangasinan)
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