AMID the recent massive flooding in different parts of the country, cases of leptospirosis have been on the rise, according to the Department of Health.
In its latest Leptospirosis Surveillance Report, the DOH said there have been 1,462 cases from January 1 to August 13, 17 percent higher compared to the 1,249 leptospirosis cases recorded during the same period last year.
Having the highest number of cases is the National Capital Region with 274, followed by Cagayan Valley and Western Visayas with 174 each.
Recording the biggest jump in cases are Soccsksargen with 1,700 percent (1 to 18), Northern Mindanao with 433 percent (9 to 48), and Eastern Visayas with 386 percent (14 to 68).
More deaths due to leptospirosis were also reported this year at 203 or a case fatality rate (CFR) of 13.9 percent.
This is higher than the 131 leptospirosis deaths (10.5% CFR) reported during the same period last year.
The DOH is urging anew those who have waded in floodwater to immediately seek medical attention.
“Getting immediate medical attention within two days after developing symptoms can help prevent complications from leptospirosis,” the DOH said in a social media post.
The health department had also advised those at high risk from leptospirosis to consider getting prophylaxis.
“Those at high risk (from leptospirosis) should go to the health center for them to be given post-exposure prophylaxis,” said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in an earlier press briefing.
Leptospirosis is an illness that is transmitted through flood, mud, or water that is contaminated by the urine of infected animals, such as rats.
