Up to 162 cases of leptospirosis with 15 fatalities were recorded in Negros Occidental as of Sept. 20, according to the provincial health office.
Of the figures, 25 cases with seven fatalities were reported in Bacolod City.
Ma. Girlie Pinongan, provincial health officer, said no increase was reported in the number of leptospirosis cases in 31 municipalities and component cities even as some areas remained flooded in the past few weeks.
Still, Pinongan said residents have been reminded not to wade in floodwaters to avoid contracting the disease caused by the urine of infected rats and other animals as well as contaminated soil and water.
Symptoms include fever or feeling feverish, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue as well as vomiting and diarrhea.
Pinongan also reported a continued decline in the number of dengue cases in the past several weeks.