By Myris Lee
The number of leptospirosis cases recorded from January to May 7 this year was higher by 6% at 631 than the 596 cases reported for the same period last year, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Though the weekly case count of the bacterial disease was lower at the first quarter of the year, the DOH said there were 338 cases reported between March 13 and April 30. This is 193% higher compared to the 115 cases of the same period in 2021.
“The rainy season can bring about a potential increase in cases of leptospirosis. The bacterium that causes the disease can be spread through flood water, especially through wounds or breaks in the skin,” the DOH said.
For April 10 to May 7, 154 cases were reported, of which 31 or 20% are from Region VI, 23 or 15% from Region II, and 20 or 13% are from Metro Manila. Regions II, V, VI, VIII, and the Cordillera Administrative Region also showed case increases for the same period.
The DOH advised the public to avoid wading in flood water, or to use sealed protective equipment like waterproof boots.
“Ask your doctor or health care provider about how to properly take post-exposure medicine after being exposed to flood waters, and if you get any signs or symptoms like fever or headache,” it added. – ag
