Ten people have died from leptospirosis in Iloilo province from 4 January to 8 August, amid 84 reported cases across 32 municipalities, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

Despite the deaths, the province recorded a 16-percent decline in cases compared with the 100 cases reported during the same period last year.

Tigbauan recorded the highest number of cases with six, followed by Dumangas, Janiuay and Tubungan with five cases each.

Dingle, Oton, Passi City and Pototan recorded four cases each, while Balasan, Barotac Nuevo, Dueñas, Leganes, Maasin and Zarraga reported three cases each.

Of the 84 cases, 32 involved agriculture-related exposure, making it the most commonly reported possible source of infection. Another 18 cases were associated with exposure to floodwaters, while 14 had no identified exposure and two involved exposure to soil.

The 10 deaths were recorded in Dingle and Dueñas with two each, and one each in Dumangas, Oton, Barotac Nuevo, Zarraga, San Dionisio and Concepcion.

IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon urged residents who may have been exposed to potentially contaminated water or soil to seek medical advice and obtain preventive medication, or prophylaxis, at the nearest health center.

She said preventive medicines are available free of charge at health centers. Residents who cannot immediately travel to a health facility may also seek assistance from barangay health workers.

However, those with open wounds that have been exposed to potentially contaminated water or soil require a different level of medical management and should consult a doctor or proceed to the nearest health facility immediately.

Health authorities also reminded the public to avoid wading or swimming in floodwaters, particularly in areas that may have been contaminated.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection commonly transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats.

Common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and red eyes. Severe cases may lead to jaundice, kidney or liver failure, meningitis, breathing difficulties and bleeding.

The IPHO stressed that early consultation is critical, particularly for individuals with a history of exposure to potentially contaminated water or soil who subsequently develop symptoms associated with leptospirosis.