The Department of Health (DOH) announced that 5,835 cases of leptospirosis were reported between January 1 and October 5, a 16 percent rise over the 5,050 cases recorded during the same time the previous year.
Approximately 774 new cases were reported between September 8 and September 21, which is twice as many as the 381 new cases reported between August 25 and September 7.
Most affected
In the three to four weeks preceding October 5, leptospirosis cases increased in 14 of the 18 regions of the Philippines.
Up to October 5, only Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga had no cases during the previous three to four weeks.
The DOH cautioned the public from swimming in floodwaters or tainted water in order to prevent contracting leptospirosis.
How leptospirosis occurs
The Leptospira bacteria, which is frequently detected in the urine of infected animals, is the cause of leptospirosis, according to the DOH.
Among the animals that spread this bacteria and contaminate water are dogs, pigs, cows, and rodents.
Fever, chills, headache, leg pain, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, rash, jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, and red eyes are all signs of leptospirosis.
After being exposed to the bacteria, a person may begin to feel sick, two to thirty days later.
