Leptospirosis cases in Pangasinan rise to 26

By Jan Carlo Anolin

DAGUPAN CITY -- At least 26 cases of leptospirosis have been reported in Pangasinan following the continuous flooding in certain areas due to heavy rains.

The Public Health Office-Pangasinan disclosed that among these, there have already been five reported deaths from January to July 2019 as reported by DZMM.

Leptospirosis is caused by the Leptospira bacteria which can be found in dirty floodwaters or mud contaminated with animal’s urine, mostly from rats and even pigs.

Dr. Anna De Guzman, PHO officer, has given a directive to all their hospitals to monitor all incoming patients with leptospirosis symptoms.

Symptoms include high fever and joint pain which eventually leads to flu.

Dagupan, Binmaley, Pozorrubio, Rosales, and San Fabian have the most cases of leptospirosis while farmers, who soak their feet in mud and floodwater for a long time, were the most affected individuals.

The PHO encouraged the public to wear boots when crossing floodwaters, and not to wade in waters if their feet have open wounds.