Camille Naredo

Pedestrians watch navigate the flooded Pedro Gil Street in Manila on August 17, 2026. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

HABAGAT- FLOODING-MANILA

Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178705327391920260817-habagat-flooding-pedro-gil-manila-JC3.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Pedestrians watch navigate the flooded Pedro Gil Street in Manila on August 17, 2026. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Pedestrians watch navigate the flooded Pedro Gil Street in Manila on August 17, 2026. <em>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — As floods continue to affect communities during the rainy season, the Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to seek immediate medical consultation after wading through floodwaters, warning that leptospirosis remains a potentially fatal but preventable disease when treated early.</p><p>From January to August 8, 2026, the DOH has recorded 3,440 leptospirosis cases nationwide, with 220 deaths.</p><p>Health officials stress that anyone exposed to floodwater may be at risk, regardless of age. The disease is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, commonly spread through the urine of infected animals such as rats. The bacteria can enter the body not only through cuts and open wounds but also through the eyes, nose, and mouth.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/18/why-was-flooding-so-bad-in-metro-manila-mmda-cites-extreme-rain-drainage-limits-1412">READ: Why was flooding so bad in Metro Manila? MMDA cites extreme rain, drainage limits</a></div><p>&quot;Kahit wala tayong sugat, puwede itong pumasok sa katawan sa ating mga mucous membrane tulad ng bibig at mata,&quot; said Dr. Anne Dominique Matumba of the DOH&#x27;s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau.</p><p>Because of this, the DOH recommends that people who have been exposed to floodwater consult a health facility immediately to determine whether they need prophylactic antibiotics, ideally within 24 to 72 hours after exposure.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>A preventable but fatal disease</strong></div><p>For Leilani Espinosa, the reminder came too late. </p><p>Standing beside the coffin of her 17-year-old son, Justine, she struggles to accept that a disease which could have been prevented has now taken his life.</p><p>&quot;Hindi naman po ako pabayang nanay. Nak, pasensiya ka na kung hindi kita masyadong nabigyan ng atensyon. Sa hirap namin, puro ako hanapbuhay,&quot; she said.</p><p>According to Leilani, her son had been bitten by a rat but paid little attention to it. About two weeks later, he was caught in the rain. The following day, he began experiencing body pains and other symptoms but dismissed them.</p><p>&quot;Meron siyang napagsabihan na masama ang pakiramdam niya. Masakit daw ang mga ganito niya  pero hindi naman po niya sinersyoso yung pakiramdam niya. Nanghihina na po, nahirapan huminga. Yung mga panahon na nanghihina siya, yung ate niya po dinadala ko rin ng ospital kaya hindi rin ako nakapagfocus sa nararamdaman niya,&quot; she recalled.</p><p>Justine&#x27;s condition rapidly deteriorated, and he became weak and eventually had difficulty breathing. At the time, Leilani was also caring for her daughter, who was hospitalized, leaving her unable to focus on Justine&#x27;s worsening condition.</p><p>On August 15, Justine died from leptospirosis.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Who should take prophylaxis?</strong></div><p>The DOH classifies flood exposure into different risk levels, with corresponding recommendations for preventive treatment.</p><p>People considered low risk—those who entered floodwater only once and have no open wounds—may be advised to take a single dose of two 100-milligram doxycycline capsules.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2026/8/17/-too-much-rain-dumped-in-metro-manila-in-5-hours-mmda-1807">READ: &#x27;Too much&#x27; rain dumped in Metro Manila in 6 hours — MMDA</a></div><p>Those at moderate risk, such as individuals with wounds who waded through floodwater, may require two capsules daily for three to five days. </p><p>Meanwhile, people with continuous exposure, including emergency responders and workers regularly exposed to contaminated water, may be advised to take two capsules once a week until their exposure ends, under medical guidance.</p><p>Health officials emphasize that people should first consult healthcare providers to determine the appropriate prophylactic regimen based on their level of exposure.</p><p>The DOH also warned that floodwaters increase the risk of other illnesses, including influenza-like illnesses, dengue, cholera, amoebiasis, and other waterborne diseases.</p><p>Doctors remind the public that while these diseases are treatable, delays in seeking medical care can lead to severe complications or even death.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="960" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NVw8RcP7Xj0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>As floods continue to affect communities during the rainy season, the DOH is urging the public to seek immediate medical consultation after wading through floodwaters, warning that leptospirosis remains a potentially fatal but preventable disease when treated early.</p>

As floods continue to affect communities during the rainy season, the DOH is urging the public to seek immediate medical consultation after wading through floodwaters, warning that leptospirosis remains a potentially fatal but preventable disease when treated early.

Leptospirosis cases expected to climb after floods; DOH urges early treatment after exposure

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Leptospirosis cases expected to climb after floods; DOH urges early treatment after exposure

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 18, 2026 07:43 PM PHT

Read More:

Department of Health

leptospirosis

floods

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doxycycline

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