ZAMBOANGA CITY, (PNA)–The city health officer has recorded a total of 60 cases of leptospirosis with 15 deaths from January to present in this city, a health official disclosed Friday.
City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos said that 20 of the 60 cases were registered for the month of October alone.
Agbulos said that there were also five fatalities for the month of October, two were aged 22 and the others above 50 years old.
Agbulos said the deaths are from the Barangays of San Jose Gusu, Tugbungan, San Roque, Guiwan and Cabatangan.
Agbulos urged the public to consult doctors early especially if they manifest signs and symptoms of leptospirosis such as fever, body aches, rashes, and flu- like symptoms after exposure to flood waters.
“Fever pa lang you already have to consult so that we will be able to start the management early,” Agbulos said.
He appealed to the people “who are still exposed with the flood right now to get your prophylaxis treatment.”
He said his office is distributing doxycycline, which is an oral prophylaxis for leptospirosis, to the residents affected by the recent flood here.
He also advised the people to wash their feet with soap after passing through flooded areas aside from taking oral prophylaxis.
Leptospirosis is a caused by Leptospira bacteria that are found in animal urine.
Leptospira bacteria usually enter the human body through skin cuts or abrasions, and occasionally through the lining of the mouth, nose, and eyes.