MANILA — The Department of Health on Thursday sounded the alarm over the increasing leptospirosis cases in the country.

DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said from January 1 to June 15, 2024, the Philippines had recorded a total of 878 cases of leptospirosis. Domingo noted that the number was half of the total number of cases in 2023.

However, he said they were a little worried because of the fast rate at which leptospirosis cases were increasing.

The DOH recorded only 6 leptospirosis cases in the past 5 to 6 weeks. This eventually rose to 60 cases, with the latest count being 83 cases in the last 2 weeks, according to Domingo.

"Ibig sabihin tumataas na ang bilang ng mga kaso dahil panahon na rin ng tag-ulan," Domingo said, adding the public needs to be on alert.

(This means that the number of cases is increasing because it's already the rainy season.)

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that infects humans through direct contact with the urine of infected animals such as rats or with a urine-contaminated environment like floodwaters.

The bacteria could enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin such as wounds or the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes.

"Nakikita natin ang ating mga kababayan, kapag lumusong sa baha, maaari itong pumasok sa ating balat lalo na kapag may sugat," Domingo said.

(We see people wading through floodwaters, and the bacteria can enter our skin, especially if we have wounds.)

SEVERE LEPTOSPIROSIS 

Domingo warned that leptospirosis can be so severe for some patients that they may need to be on dialysis or admitted to the ICU if not caught early. 

He said leptospirosis symptoms include fever, headaches, nausea, and body aches.

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He advised the public to use protective gear, such as boots, when wading through floods and to wash their bodies thoroughly immediately afterward to prevent leptospirosis.

"Ang importante magpakunsulta sa doktor, kahit kinabukasan okay lang, dahil kailangan nating tignan kung kailangan ng prophylaxis, ang gamot na pang-ingat sa leptospirosis," he said.

(The important thing is to consult a doctor, even the next day is fine, because we need to determine if prophylaxis, the preventive medicine for leptospirosis, is needed.)

Aside from leptospirosis, the DOH is on alert for other common diseases during the rainy season such as influenza and dengue.