Outbreak of leptospirosis kills at least 15, infects hundreds in N. Mindanao
Leptospirosis infection has killed at least 8 people Cagayan de Oro, and 7 more in Iligan City, Northern Mindanao, Philippines, the local Department of Health reported.
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- Mindanao, Philippines. At least 15 people have been killed and more than 200 others infected in an outbreak of leptospirosis in the Northern Mindanao cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, Philippines, the local Department of Health reported.
- The outbreak occurred following the devastating flash floods triggered by Tropical Storm WASHI (aka, Storm Sendong) in northern Mindanao island.
- Leptospirosis is also known as Weil disease; Icterohemorrhagic fever; Swineherd’s disease; Rice-field fever; Cane-cutter fever; Swamp fever; Mud fever; Hemorrhagic jaundice; Stuttgart disease; Canicola fever.
- The infection is caused by exposure to several types of the Leptospira bacteria, which can be found in water contaminated with animal urine including rats, dogs, pigs, horses, cattle and wild animals.
- The infection is more common in warmer climates.
- Symptoms can take up to 4 weeks (average 10 days) to develop, and may include: Dry cough, fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and shaking chills.
- Less common symptoms include: Abdominal pain, abnormal lung sounds, bone pain, conjunctivitis, enlarged lymph glands, enlarged spleen or liver, joint aches, muscle rigidity, muscle tenderness, skin rash and sore throat.
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