LEPTOSPIROSIS CASES ROSE BY 16% AS OF OCTOBER – DOH

The health agency said that the number of leptospirosis cases has increased by 16 percent from January to October this year (Photo courtesy of Philippine Star)

The Department of Health (DOH) reported that leptospirosis cases in the country are rising, it reached 5,835 from January 1 to October 5 which increase a 16 percent the 5,050 cases reported during the same period last year.

From September 8 to 21 this year, the leptospirosis cases are “twice as high” with 774 new infections recorded during this period, compared to 381 cases in the preceding two weeks from August 25 to September 7.

Furthermore, the case fatality rate or the percentage of deaths relative to confirmed cases, stands at 8.72%, with 509 deaths reported. That is 10.7% lower than the 570 deaths recorded during the same period in 2023.

Of the 18 regions in the Philippines, the Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos), and Caraga were the only regions in the country that did not exhibit an increase in leptospirosis cases over the previous three to four weeks leading up to October 5.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reminded the public of the possible health concerns caused by wading through floodwaters. He also advised the public to wear closed and protective footwear, and wash exposed skin to lower the risk of Leptospirosis infection if exposed to floodwaters.

Humans can get infected by the illness caused by the leptospira bacteria when they come in contact with water, food, or soil containing contaminated animal urine. Early symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. Infected persons can also experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark-colored urine, low urine output, and severe headache.

“As we expect more rain to come, we must always be mindful of what to do especially if there is flooding. Avoid floodwaters as much as possible,” Herbosa said in a statement.

Source: Philippine News Agency 

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