The Antipolo City local government on Wednesday, Aug. 23, cautioned its citizens against leptospirosis as the national government observed an uptick of cases in the CALABARZON region.
According to Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) had observed a 76 percent increase in the number of leptospirosis cases in CALABARZON compared to 2022. A total of 95 cases were recorded and 14 deaths were tallied from January to July this year.
Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium that spreads to humans through water and soil contaminated by infected animal urine, usually rats. Symptoms typically appear 5-14 days after exposure but can develop up to 30 days after exposure.
These generally include headache, fever, muscle aches, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. However, some individuals can develop a more severe illness called Weil's disease, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of Weil's disease may include meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord), kidney failure, and/or liver failure.
"Sakaling ikaw ay na-expose sa baha, wag mag-atubiling pumunta agad sa pinakamalapit na health center para sa proteksyon. Meron po tayong sapat na Doxycycline (In case you were exposed to floodwater, don't hesitate to proceed to the nearest health center for your protection and vaccination. We have enough supply of Doxycycline to be administered to patients)," Ynares stressed.
The mayor reminded the public to avoid swimming or wading through floodwater, kill rats and their possible nesting sites, use boots when needed to pass through floodwater, clean and sanitize their feet after wading through floods, and ensure the cleanliness of their home.
The DOH had earlier said a total of 1,699 leptospirosis cases have been recorded nationwide from Jan. 1 to June 17 this year, a 65 percent increase from the 1,029 cases during the same period in 2022.
In an update, the agency noted that from June 18 to July 1 this year, the country has logged 182 new cases, a 42 percent increase from 128 cases two weeks.
Meanwhile, from Jan. 1 to July 15, a total of 2,079 cases and 225 deaths due to leptospirosis were reported nationwide and "cases may still increase with late reports," the DOH said. No data on the disease were available beyond June 17 last year.