QC gov't warns residents over rising cases of leptospirosis
People wade through knee- to waist-deep floodwaters along Araneta Avenue in Quezon City on Monday, July 21, 2025, following heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat). (Santi San Juan)
The Quezon City government has warned residents over the increasing number of leptospirosis cases recorded in the city from July 24 to 31.
According to the data from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD), a total of 178 leptospirosis cases were recorded from January to July 30 this year.
“Dahil sa pag-ulan noong mga nakaraang linggo, nakikita natin ‘yung pagtaas ng kaso ng Leptospirosis. Aabot sa 178 kaso na ang naitala natin ngayong taon, halos 23% mas mataas sa recorded cases natin last year from January to July 30 (Due to the rains in recent weeks, we are seeing an increase in leptospirosis cases. We have recorded 178 cases this year, almost 23% higher than the recorded cases we had last year from January to July 30),” QCESD Chief Dr. Rolly Cruz said.
The records have breached the epidemic level after recording 43 new cases from July 24 to 30.
A total of 23 deaths due to leptospirosis have already been recorded, which is a 12 percent increase from the 18 deaths reported in the same period in 2024.
QCESD said nearly half of the cases (99) had direct exposure to floodwaters, while other sources of contaminated water caused 34 cases.
“Nakukuha sa maruming tubig ang sari-saring sakit tulad ng leptospirosis. Kaya kung maaari, huwag munang lumusong sa baha. Kung hindi maiiwasan, ugaliing magsuot ng protective gear tulad ng bota at raincoat (Due to the rains in the recent weeks, we are seeing an increase in leptospirosis cases. We have recorded 178 cases this year, almost 23% higher than the recorded cases we had last year from January to July 30),” Quezon City Health Department Officer-in-Charge Dr. Ramona Abarquez said.
Residents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body pain, diarrhea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or reddening of the eyes.