Leptospirosis cases dip by two-thirds in first two months of 2014: Philippines DOH
The number of cases of the bacterial infection, leptospirosis, has shown a significant drop during the beginning of 2014 as compared to the same time in 2013.
Image-CDC/Janice Haney Carr
According to the Philippines Department of Health, the number of leptospirosis cases reported nationally is 118 from Jan 1 to Mar. 1. This a nearly 65% drop from the same period last year (329).
Nearly three out of 10 cases reported this year are from the Western Visayas, while CARAGA was second reporting 17 cases.
Eight fatalities have been reported.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases. Some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all.
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Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
Humans can become infected through:
- contact with urine (or other body fluids, except saliva) from infected animals
- contact with water, soil, or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection. Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to contaminated water, such as floodwaters. Person to person transmission is rare.
