Leptospirosis typically spreads to humans through contact with water contaminated by animal urine, notably from rats, and when it makes contact with open skin or eyes.
ANN/Philippine Daily Inquirer – Leptospirosis, a waterborne disease, has experienced a staggering 139 per cent surge nationwide over the past month. This increase has been attributed to the heavy rains and flooding resulting from recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon (habagat), as reported by the Department of Health (DOH).
The DOH has revealed that the number of cases continues to rise, with 542 cases reported in the recent three to four weeks, marking a 139 per cent increase compared to the preceding two weeks, according to a statement from the department.
The regions most affected by the surge in leptospirosis infections, totaling 441 cases in the past four weeks, include Metro Manila and the Ilocos and Calabarzon areas, encompassing Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.
Infections also rose in the Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Davao regions last month.
A total of 3,325 infections in the country had been reported from January to August 19, based on the DOH’s latest data. At least 359 people died due to leptospirosis during the same period, or a case fatality rate of 10.8 per cent.
“Continuous monitoring must be done as cases may still increase with late reports,” said the DOH.
Leptospirosis is usually transmitted to humans from water contaminated by animal urine, particularly from rats, and comes in contact with lesions in the skin or eyes. Symptoms include fever, chills, and severe headache, which usually appear four to 14 days following exposure to contaminated floodwaters or mud.
