The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Tuesday, Sept. 4, warned of an increasing surge in leptospirosis cases in the country.

Data released by DOH showed 3,325 cases reported nationwide between Jan. 1 and Aug. 19.

Recent statistics from the DOH indicated a substantial surge in reported cases over the past three to four weeks --- with 542 new cases.

This, as noted by DOH, reflected a notable 139 percent increase compared to the preceding two weeks resulting in consistently reported rising cases ranging from 101 to 441 over the past six weeks, from July 9 to Aug. 19, in the National Capital Region (NCR), along with Regions I and IV-A.

Additionally, several other regions, including CAR, Regions II, III, IV-B, V, VI, VIII, and XI, have seen a notable increase in cases over the past three to four weeks, with instances ranging from five to 143 during this period.

Fatalities

DOH noted that the rise in leptospirosis cases has been followed by “359 recorded fatalities” from monitoring weeks one to 33 in 2023, providing a case fatality rate (CFR) of 10.8 percent.

This, DOH said, was prompted by the potential for late reporting of cases and the influence of adverse weather conditions.

The recent series of typhoons and tropical storms, intensified by the southwest monsoon or "habagat" may have contributed to an increase in cases, DOH said.

DOH reminders

Health Undersecretary Dr. Enrique Tayag, in a media forum on Sept. 5, also warned of the risk of contracting leptospirosis --- an illness associated with flooding --- and the preventative measures that can be taken.

He advised that if individuals find themselves unable to avoid flooding, they should be aware that barangay health centers offer antibiotics that can help reduce the risk of contracting leptospirosis.

“Kung hindi nyo maiiwasan ang pagbaha, kailangan nating i-ayos ang ating mga basurahan sapagkat dyan maaaring manggaling yung mga daga. Tandaan natin na hindi ibig sabihin na may pagbaha ay magkakaroon na ng leptospirosis, nangyayari lamang ito sapagkat kontaminado ang tubig baha. ‘Yung mga explodes area ng ating katawan, may mga sugat pala doon na hindi nyo napansin, ‘dun pumapasok ang mikrobyo na sanhi ng leptospirosis (If you cannot avoid flooding, we need to properly manage our garbage because rats may come from there. Remember that just because there is flooding, it does not automatically mean leptospirosis will occur. This only happens when floodwater is contaminated. The entry points for the leptospirosis-causing microbe are the exposed areas of our body, which may have unnoticed wounds),” Tayag said.

Related to this, DOH continues its efforts to educate the public on flood safety and the prevention of leptospirosis which are part of a broader strategy to ensure the well-being of individuals living in flood-prone regions.

These flood safety and leptospirosis prevention guidelines, as emphasized by DOH, also serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and informed actions to protect public health in the face of recurring flooding incidents. (Zekinah Elize Espina)