AS THE rainy season continues to affect Cebu and neighboring provinces, a public health expert is urging residents to remain vigilant against the spread of leptospirosis.

Dr. Ronald Jarvik Buscato, head of the Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-7) Communicable Diseases Section said it is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that is often overlooked but can occur year-round and through various means—not just during floods.

Buscato said that while leptospirosis cases typically rise during the wet season, people must not be complacent during dry months either.

“Again, dili lang siya sa ting-ulan makita, although mosaka atong kaso sa ting-uwan,” he said.

Buscato explained that leptospirosis is caused by bacteria that can be found in the urine or feces of infected animals, including rodents and domesticated pets, and may live in the environment for long periods.

Infection can occur when people come into contact with contaminated soil or water, especially if they have open wounds or abrasions on the skin.

“Normally, ang leptospirosis makuha sa taw kung naa tay contact sa mga infected nga secretions gikan sa mga hayop nga naa ang kagaw," he said.

"Ang pinakacommon siguro ang ilaga—ang ihi sa ilaha kay mao ang nahilab-an. Pero dili lang ihi sa ilaga ang nagdala sa leptospirosis,” Buscato added.

He emphasized that the bacteria can also enter through mucus membranes found in the mouth or eyes, which offer less protection than the skin.

"Usa pud ka pamaagi is contact with mucus membrame—sa baba or sa mata kaning mga mucus membrame nato di man gud na parehas og protection sa atong skin so mas dali mapenetrate sa kagaw,” he added.

Buscato said leptospirosis bacteria can survive in still water or moist soil, making it possible to contract the disease by walking barefoot in areas where infected animals may have urinated or defecated.

“Naa pud tay incidents nga magtiniil lang unya ang hayop nangihi or nagbilin og hugaw sa yuta or sawg,” Buscato said.

He also warned the public to be cautious when swimming in recreational pools, especially if these are poorly maintained.

"Especially if dili tarong ang pagchlorinate or manotice nato mga pools dugay na wala gamita... so naay chance makuha nimo ang kagaw og lain pang mga kagaw,” he said.

Buscato said that people are generally safe when exposed to clean water, such as treated tap water from proper filtration plants.

“Generally kung tubig lang gyud nga gikan sa gripo nga niagi sa planta, limpyo na or free na sa kagaw sa magdala sa leptospirosis,” he said.

He also reminded the public not to limit their understanding of leptospirosis as being solely caused by rats.

As part of DOH 7’s response, Buscato said their team is focusing on educating the public about diseases common during the rainy season.

He said they aim to "laymanize" or simplify medical concepts so that people can better understand how to protect themselves.(MyTVCebu)

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• #Dr. Ronald Jarvik Buscato
• #Department of Health-Central Visayas
• #DOH-7
• #Communicable Diseases Section
• #Fatal Bacterial Infection
• #Leptospirosis
• #Urine
• #Feces