DoH notes rise in leptospirosis cases

The Department of Health (DoH) on Saturday noted a rise in leptospirosis cases, citing the successive low pressure areas and typhoons that brought heavy rains and flooding in the country.

The DoH logged an increase of 2.5 times in the number of leptospirosis cases nationwide from 27 October to 9 November with 594 cases reported from 234 cases from 13 to 26 October.

A total of 7,234 cases were reported as of 23 November.

This is 19 percent higher compared to the 6,058 cases in the same period last year.

Despite the significant increase in the number of leptospirosis cases, a lower case fatality rate of 9.12 percent was reported compared to the CFR of 10.83 percent in the same period of 2023.

“The continued decrease in CFR despite the rising number of leptospirosis cases this year is attributed to improved case management, with the anticipation that typhoons could flood different areas in the country,” the DoH said.

Ahead of the six recent typhoons, starting with typhoon “Kristine,” the DoH reiterated the importance of washing with soap and water once exposed to floodwaters to lower the risk of leptospirosis.

The Health department also stressed the value of early consultation for proper assessment and prescription of prophylaxis.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, headache and reddish eyes.

In severe cases, symptoms include yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine, light stools, low urine output and severe headache resulting from liver, kidney and brain involvement.