The Department of Health (DOH) in Davao region has logged four deaths due to leptospirosis this year.
Based on the DOH data, four people died of leptospirosis infection in the region from January 1 to April 2, 2022.
Davao del Norte reported two deaths, while Davao City and Davao Occidental had one each.
According to the DOH, this year’s death toll was higher compared to the same period last year which registered only one death.
However, leptospirosis cases decreased from 35 in January to April 2021 to 25 in the same period this year.
DOH Davao assistant regional director Dr. Gerona Manatad said the high incidence of deaths was attributed to the weather disturbance and tropical cyclones that caused flooding in the Davao region.
Leptospirosis is caused by the entry of leptospira bacteria through wounds when in contact with flood waters, vegetation, and moist soil contaminated with urine of infected animals, especially rats.
Among the signs and symptoms of leptospirosis are fever, muscle pain, headache, reddish eyes, and others, the DOH said.
The DOH also advised the public to avoid swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water or flood water, use of proper protection like boots and gloves, and control rats in the household.