More than 4,000 leptospirosis cases have been recorded across the country, down 37 percent from the 6,839 cases logged in the same period last year, the Department of Health (DOH) bared on Monday, Aug. 24.

Based on the agency’s data as of Aug. 22, the DOH recorded a total of 4,285 leptospirosis cases in the country.

“Bagama’t mas mababa ito ng 37% kumpara sa 6,839 na kasong naitala sa parehong panahon noong nakaraang taon, nakapagtala pa rin ng bahagyang pagtaas ng kaso nitong Hulyo 26 hanggang Agosto 8, kung saan may naitalang 495 na kaso, mas mataas ng 29% kumpara noong Hulyo 12 hanggang Hulyo 25, 2026 (383 kaso) (Although this was 37 percent lower than the 6,839 cases recorded during the same period last year, a slight increase was still observed from July 26 to Aug. 8, when 495 cases were logged—29 percent higher than the 383 cases recorded from July 12 to 25, 2026),” it said in a statement.

The health department noted that the highest numbers of cases were reported in the National Capital Region (NCR), Region II, and Region III.

“Inaasahan ang posible pang pagtaas nito lalo pa’t mayroong lima hanggang labinlimang araw na incubation period ang Leptospirosis (A further increase in the number of cases is expected as leptospirosis has an incubation period of five to 15 days),” the agency said.

According to the health department, 33 DOH hospitals in Metro Manila, Regions I, II, and III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region have activated leptospirosis fast lanes or express lanes to immediately attend to patients requiring hospitalization.

“Tinitiyak din, sa pamamagitan ng surge capacity management, na sapat ang mga kama o bed capacity at gamot para sa mga pasyenteng kailangang i-admit (Through surge capacity management, the DOH is also ensuring that sufficient hospital beds and medicines are available for patients who need to be admitted),” it said.

The DOH advised the public to consult the nearest health center or doctor within 24 to 48 hours after wading through or being exposed to floodwater, whether or not they experience symptoms.

Meanwhile, the agency said health centers, DOH facilities, and YAKAP clinics remain open to patients seeking consultations and appropriate medication. 

It added that the Zero Balance Billing Program at DOH hospitals and expanded PhilHealth benefit packages provide support for severe leptospirosis cases, with coverage exceeding P400,000.

The DOH said it continues to closely monitor the increase in leptospirosis cases following widespread flooding caused by successive rains in recent weeks.

“Kaugnay ng paghahanda ng Kagawaran, pinaiigting din ang referral system para maiwasan ang pagdagsa ng mga pasyente sa iisang ospital lamang (As part of its preparations, the department is also strengthening its referral system to prevent patients from overwhelming a single hospital),” the health department said.

On Sunday, Aug. 23, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) announced that it is operating at full bed capacity amid a surge in leptospirosis cases.

Per the World Health Organization (WHO),     leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals.

“Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment,” it said. 

The bacteria that cause leptospirosis may enter through broken skin or the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes, but rarely spread from person to person, the WHO added.