The City Health Office of Dumaguete has confirmed three cases of Leptospirosis due to the flood brought about by Typhoon Sendong, according to City Health Officer Dr. Ma. Sarah Talla.
Talla said, the victims were residents of Poblacion 8, Cadawinonan, and Taclobo which are barangays greatly affected by the tropical storm last December 17.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira Bacteria found in the infected urine of rats. If a person has contact with contaminated water such as flood water and sewage, he/she is at the risk of acquiring such disease, Dr. Talla said.
Some of the symptoms of Leptospirosis are high fever, headache, conjunctival suffusion or red eyes, calf muscle pain, and skin turning to yellow in color.
The warning signs are low blood pressure or hypotension, cold and clammy skin, cyanosis or trouble breathing, seizure, low amount of urine, and bleeding manifestation.
The City Health Office and the City Government are conducting an information campaign for prevention, treatment, and control regarding Leptospirosis.
According to Talla, people should not take for granted the said disease as it may result to death. She also gave ways on how to prevent acquiring Leptospirosis: using of boots and gloves if exposed to contaminated water, getting rid of containers with filthy water, killing of the rats (balagtok) that carry the bacteria, making sure that the surroundings are cleaned, and cleaning of tables that have spilled food as to not attract rats. (PIO)
