BACOLOD CITY – The number of leptospirosis cases in this bustling urban center has decreased by 63% in 2024, thanks to ongoing prevention and control efforts, according to the latest figures from the City Health Office (CHO) released on Monday. From January 1 to December 31, the city recorded 34 cases, including nine probable deaths, a significant reduction from the 92 cases and 16 deaths reported in 2023. Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, the city’s health officer, attributed this decline to increased public awareness about the disease. She emphasized the importance of health promotion in spreading information and noted that flooding, a common factor in the spread of leptospirosis, was less frequent this year compared to the last. Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease caused by leptospira spirochetes, is typically contracted through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, via cuts or other skin breaks. The CHO advises immediate use of leptospirosis prophylaxis or consultation with a health professional after potential exposure. The highest number of cases were reported in nine barangays: Pahanocoy, Estefania, Felisa, Banago, and Sum-ag with three cases each, and Vista Alegre, Punta Taytay, Mansilingan, and Taculing with two cases each. Probable deaths were noted in Pahanocoy, Banago, and Punta Taytay with two each, and in Estefania, Felisa, and Barangay 6 with one each. The CHO has highlighted that delayed medical consultation and denial of infection are major contributors to complications and fatalities, with 70 to 80 percent of cases linked to exposure to contaminated environments.
