Mandaue councilors push massive info drive on dangers of leptospirosis

Personnel of the Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office check on one of the flooded areas in Mandaue City. | Bantay Mandaue file photo

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – With the massive flooding that is experienced when there is a heavy downpour, two lady legislators in Mandaue City have raised a concern on the dangers of leptospirosis.

Councilor Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, who is a medical doctor by profession, said that flooding increases the risk of leptospirosis.

For her part, Councilor Editha Cabahug, raised a concern on children and young adults who play and even swim in floodwaters.

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Leptospirosis is an illness that is caused by the bacteria Leptospira. The most common sources of the infection is through contact with infected animal urine and/or contaminated soil or water.

The illness can cause kidney damage, respiratory distress, and even death.  Its symptoms include high fever, muscle ache, skin and eye yellowing, abdomimal pain, chills, and vomiting, among others.

Raising Awareness

Cabahug authored a resolution urging the Mandaue City Public Information Office to launch campaigns that will raise awareness on the dangers of leptospirosis.  The said measure, that was co-authored by Soon-Ruiz, was passed during the City Council’s regular session on Monday, Oct. 2.

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“Luoy kaayo kung masakit. Kahibaw na baya ta sa kalisod karon’g panahona. Kinsa man dayon blame-mon. Madakdakan pag-ayo ang mga opisyales labi pa og wala kay gibuhat. Karun atoa na gyud na tutukan nga ma-inform gyud sila, daghan baya gyud ta makit-an nga ilaga magsuroy-suroy sa daan, dagko kaayo mura’g iring,” said Cabahug, who is also chairperson of the Committee on Human Rights.

The resolution that Cabahug authored, mentioned that leptospirosis was a serious concern, not only in the city, but the rest of the country.

Cases of leptospirosis

It quoted a report from the Department of Health (DOH) which mentioned an increase in the reported cases of leptospirosis in 2022 and 2023.

It said that at least 2,000 cases were recorded in the said period compared, higher than that of the previous years.

And while reported cases of leptospirosis in Mandaue decreased this year, the resolution said that the illness remains a threat.

“Dili gihapon ta mo-put sa atoang guards down. We have to be very careful. We have to tell Mandauehanons nga mokuan og pamaagi nga mo-prevent sa occurence sa disease,” said Soon-Ruiz.

Soon-Ruiz, chairperson of the committee on Health, said that four suspected cases of the bacterial infection were reported in the city from January to September this year.  But these were ruled out during the laboratory examination.

During the same period last year, Soon-Ruiz said 14 suspected cases were also reported.  But only one case was confirmed.

/dcb