The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, Oct. 18, reported a rise in leptospirosis cases nationwide, urging the public to seek medical care, particularly following flooding events.

In a statement, the DOH said that as of Oct. 5 (Morbidity Week 40), the total number of leptospirosis cases had reached 5,835, marking a 16 percent increase from the 5,050 cases reported during the same period last year.

“As we expect more rain to come, we must always be mindful of what to do, especially if there is flooding,” DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said.

The DOH noted that all regions, except for Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga, have reported increased cases over the past three to four weeks leading up to Oct. 5.

From Sept. 8 to 21, the DOH recorded a total of 774 new cases, which is “twice as high” as the 381 new cases reported from Aug. 25 to Sept. 7.

While there have been 509 reported deaths thus far, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 8.72 percent, the DOH stated that this number is 11 percent lower than the 570 deaths recorded during the same period last year, which had a CFR of 11.29 percent.

Amid the surge in cases, the DOH reminded the public to avoid floodwaters as much as possible.

Herbosa advised that individuals should seek consultation right away, even in the absence of wounds or symptoms. “Wear closed and protective footwear, and wash exposed skin to lower the risk of leptospirosis infection,” he added.

He also reminded the public that it is “better to be healthy after a visit to the health center than to be admitted later for dialysis at a hospital because of leptospirosis."