False Alert. The City Health Office of Cagayan de Oro says reports of leptospirosis at Cogon Public Market are untrue. During the January 21 press conference, city health officials addressed viral claims and clarified that investigations into the reported deaths show no medical link to the bacterial disease. (Photo courtesy of Cagayan de Oro City Information Office)
TheMonitorMindanaoToday.com | Cagayan de Oro CHO declares Cogon Market leptospirosis-free
By: Irene Joy B. Dayo
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The City Health Office (CHO) here declared the leptospirosis issue at Cogon Public Market untrue during a press conference on January 21. City health officials also addressed claims linking deaths in the area to the bacterial disease.
According to the CHO, a review of death certificates and direct evaluations by attending physicians showed no cases of leptospirosis.
“Our preliminary and confirmed report shows that the alleged case — the cause of death is not leptospirosis,” said City Health Officer-in-Charge Dr. Claire Paglinawan.
Paglinawan said the city takes all reports seriously, but the specific cases mentioned in the allegations were caused by other medical conditions unrelated to leptospirosis.
She explained how the disease is contracted to help the public separate facts from rumors. She stated that infection occurs through contact with water, soil, or food contaminated by the urine of infected animals.
“The bacteria enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or wounds or through the skin, mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth,” Paglinawan said.
She urged residents to watch for symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pains, and red eyes. Severe cases can lead to liver or kidney dysfunction.
In response to the rumors, the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit has begun collecting data from hospitals to identify any recent spikes in mortality. The CHO, in coordination with the City Economic Enterprises Business Development Administration, will also reinforce public education campaigns in markets.
“CHO will coordinate with all barangays to reinforce the IEC campaign regarding leptospirosis. Our City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and SI (Sanitary Inspectors) will continue monitoring the pertinent areas concerned,” Paglinawan said.
City officials, including Councilor Paolo Nicolo Gaane and the acting City Information Officer, urged residents to stop spreading unverified information that causes unnecessary panic. (IJBD/PIA-10)
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