The Bacolod City Council has taken decisive action to address a growing health concern, approving a resolution that calls for immediate preventive measures against leptospirosis throughout the city.
Rising Health Threat Prompts Council Action
Councilor Em Ang, who chairs the City Council committee on health, authored the resolution that urges the City Health Office (CHO) to implement protective measures through the Office of Mayor Greg Gasataya. The move comes in response to alarming reports from the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), which has documented a concerning increase in leptospirosis admissions.
Ang emphasized that a significant number of these cases originate from southern local government units of the province, indicating a regional pattern that requires immediate attention.
Typhoon Aftermath Worsens Transmission Risk
The recent series of typhoons that battered the region has created ideal conditions for leptospirosis transmission. Typhoons Tino, Uwan, and Verbena caused extensive flooding throughout Bacolod, creating environments where the waterborne bacterial infection can easily spread.
Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to severe health complications if not treated promptly. The bacteria typically spread through water, soil, or food contaminated with urine from infected animals, particularly rodents.
Comprehensive Prevention Strategy Outlined
The resolution outlines a multi-pronged approach to combat the potential outbreak. The City Health Office is being called upon to launch a comprehensive citywide education campaign to inform residents about leptospirosis risks, particularly in the aftermath of flooding events.
Immediate disinfection of flood-affected areas represents another critical component of the prevention strategy. The CHO is expected to work closely with local officials, community leaders, and health workers to ensure effective information dissemination and support disinfection operations.
Additional measures include:
- Monitoring and reporting leptospirosis cases in coordination with hospitals and clinics
- Early detection of case spikes to ensure timely public health responses
- Providing protective gear and sanitation supplies to barangays
- Supporting cleaning and disinfection operations at the community level
Councilor Ang stressed that the city has a fundamental responsibility to ensure the health and safety of its residents, noting that the CHO plays a pivotal role in developing and initiating effective measures to protect the community from this public health threat.
