Cases Increase, East Java Provincial Government Wary Of Leptospirosis Disease

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa (ANTARA/HO-Biro Adpim East Java)

SURABAYA - The Provincial Government of East Java (East Java Provincial Government) is wary of leptospirosis, which has recorded an increase in cases in early 2023.

The East Java Health Office recorded the number of leptospirosis sufferers in 2022 as many as 606 cases. Meanwhile, from 2023 to March 5, there have been 249 cases recorded.

"Leptospirosis can be found at any time but the possibility increases during the rainy season," East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa said in Surabaya as reported by ANTARA, Monday, March 6.

Out of a total of 249 cases that occurred in East Java, 204 of them occurred in Pacitan Regency with 6 deaths.

Furthermore, Probolinggo Regency recorded 3 cases with 2 deaths. In Probolinggo City, 5 cases were recorded with 1 death.

In addition, in Sampang Regency, there were 22 cases recorded, Lumajang 8 cases, Tulungagung 4, and Gresik 3 cases.

Khofifah explained that leptospirosis can spread through urine from animals infected with the bacteria and contaminated with the environment, especially in environments where there are stagnant water and contact with injured skin/mucosa.

"Animals infected with this bacteria do not die but in humans, it can cause death," she said.

Leptospirosis, continued Khofifah, can also spread through water or soil that has been contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

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Animals carrying the leptospira bacteria include rats, cows, pigs, and so on.

"But rats are the main culprit," she said.

Leptospirosis sufferers usually experience symptoms of fever (> 38°C), muscle aches, headaches, malaise or fatigue, and eyes that appear yellowish or red.

Similar to dengue fever, if not treated immediately, infected patients can die.

As a preventive measure, Governor Khofifah suggested the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and boots when carrying out activities in areas prone to leptospira contamination.

"People are also advised to diligently wash their limbs with soap after doing activities, especially in areas exposed to rain and flooding," she said.