The Department of Health (DOH) recorded nearly 600 leptospirosis cases from January to June of this year.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that a total of 589 leptospirosis cases were reported from January 1 to June 19, 2021.
“This is 13 percent higher compared to the 520 reported leptospirosis cases of the same time period in 2020,” said Vergeire.
Vergeire also noted an increase in the case fatality rate from the said illness. So far, the case fatality rate for this year stood at 11.4 percent, “which is 1.6 higher than in 2020 at 9.8 percent.”
The highest leptospirosis incidence was noted in the Cordillera Administrative Region with 1.49 cases per 100,000 population, followed by Western Visayas with 1.34 cases, and Cagayan Valley with 1.33 cases, said Vergeire.
“Alam po natin ang sakit na leptospirosis ay maari nating makuha kung tayo ay may mga cuts sa skin o may sugat sa paa. At kapag tayo ay lumusong, maari po tayong ma-infect nitong leptospirosis (We know that leptospirosis can be contracted if one has open wounds, particularly in the feet. And when we wade in flood waters, you can be infected with this leptospirosis),” said Vergeire.
“Kami ay nanawagan sa ating mga kababayan, tayo ay mag iingat kung lulusong sa baha. Kailangan magsuot ng protective gear kung hindi maiiwasan lumusong. Mag bota po tayo, maglinis ng paa pagkatapos lumusong (We call on our citizens to be careful if you are going to wade in flood waters. Protective gear must be worn. Let's wear boots and clean your feet afterwards),” she added.