A DAY after the Department of Health (DOH) alerted the public on an expected rise in leptospirosis cases, the Quezon City government yesterday said it has recorded of 178 cases in the city from January 1 to July 30 this year, or an increase of 23 percent compared to the same period last year.
The DOH on Saturday said there is a possible increase in leptospirosis cases following rains and floodings recently caused by tropical cyclones “Crising,” “Dante,” and “Emong” and the southwest monsoon. The DOH has logged a total of 3,037 leptospirosis cases this year, 569 of which were recorded from July 13 to 31 alone.
Mayor Joy Belmonte urged Quezon City residents to take precautions against leptospirosis, saying the bacterial disease can lead to deaths.
Data from the QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) showed the city has breached the epidemic threshold after recording 43 leptospirosis cases from July 24 to 30 alone.
“Due to the rains in the past weeks, we have seen a rise in leptospirosis cases. We recorded 178 cases this year, nearly 23 percent higher compared to the recorded last year, from January to July 30” said QCESD chief Dr. Rolly Cruz.
Leptospirosis is usually contracted by wading through floodwaters contaminated with animal urine.
The QCESD said 99 of the 178 people who contracted the disease had direct exposure to floodwaters and 34 others had exposure with “other sources of contaminated water.”
Dr. Ramona Abarquez, QC General Hospital officer-in-charge, said contaminated water can bring various diseases, including leptospirosis.
“If possible, do not wade through floodwaters. If it cannot be avoided, wear protective gears like rain boots and raincoats,” she said.
The city government urged people to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body pain, diarrhea, yellowing of skin or eyes, and reddening of the eyes.
“Leptospirosis is fatal so do not ignore it,” said Belmonte.
“The Quezon City government is ready to help every QCitizen, from free medicine to complete recovery. Let us all stay vigilant and protect one another,” said Belmonte.
