The Department of Health in Region 7 has declared an outbreak of leptospirosis in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, with cases noted in twobarangays of the city.

Dr. Socrates Villamor, head of the DOH’s Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit in Negros Oriental, said that as ofyesterday, 39 leptospirosis cases with one death had been recorded in the province.

Of the number 18, including the lone casualty, were admitted to various hospitals, while 21 were not admitted, Villamor said.

Tanjay City had the most number with five hospital admissions and one death and 21 non-admissions.

Dumaguete City is second with three cases, followed by San Jose and Mabinay towns with two each, and Bais City, Sibulan, Valencia, Pamplona, Amlan and Bacong with one case each.

Majority of the cases reported in Tanjay City were in the “poblacion” Barangays 4 and 6, that were submerged in floods from Tropical Storm Sendong.

Health officials had anticipated an occurrence of diarrhea and leptospirosis cases in flood-affected areas due to water contamination.

Villamor said the DOH continues to provide free antibiotics to residents in Tanjay and other areas for patients afflicted with leptospirosis, and those with history of wading in contaminated floodwater, as prophylactic treatment.

Villamor advised the public to immediately consult with a doctor once symptoms, such high fever, searing headache and body malaise, are noted.

He also urged the people to wear rubber boots when cleaning their homes that had been flooded.*JFP

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