Phl logs 271 leptospirosis cases in January

Close to 300 leptospiroses cases have been recorded in the country during the early part of this year, the Department of Health (DOH) said yesterday.

Records from the DOH-Disease Surveillance Report showed there were 271 leptospirosis cases from Jan. 1 to 28.

The figure is 128 percent higher compared to the 119 cases reported during the same period last year.

Among regions, Cagayan Valley posted the highest number of cases with 49 followed by Northern Mindanao, 40, and Central Visayas with 35.

Northern Mindanao recorded the highest increase in the infections with 1,900 percent or from two cases to 40.

Central Visayas posted a 1,300 percent increase or from one to 14 cases, while Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) posted an 800 percent increase or from one to nine cases.

Data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau showed 18 deaths this year, or a case fatality rate (CFR) of 6.6 percent.

In 2022, 22 deaths were recorded or a CFR of 18.5 percent.

Northern Mindanao posted the highest number of fatalities with four followed by Davao region and Western Visayas with three each, and Mimaropa with two.

The World Health Organization said the illness is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

State of emergency

Meanwhile, the city government of San Carlos in Negros Occidental has declared a state of health emergency due to rising cases of amoebiasis.

In an executive order, Mayor Renato Gustilo ordered city and barangay officials to launch an awareness campaign to prevent a surge in the cases.

Amoebiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, which is spread through human feces.

It causes diarrhea, nausea and weight loss, according to the DOH.

Gustilo said the city logged 205 cases with one fatality as of Friday.

Among the villages, Barangay Bulwangan recorded the highest number of cases, Gustilo said.