Leachon: Leptospirosis surge a wake-up call

Public health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon said the surge in leptospirosis admissions is a "wake-up call" for a unified public health response.

In a statement sent to DAILY TRIBUNE, Leachon stressed that the alarming rise in leptospirosis cases across both public and private hospitals is a stark reminder of the systemic vulnerabilities in the country’s flood control and healthcare infrastructure.

"With over 3,325 cases and 359 deaths reported nationwide, and hospitals like the National Kidney and Transplant Institute and San Lazaro overwhelmed, the Department of Health (DOH) must act swiftly to coordinate care, expand capacity, and ensure equitable access to treatment,” Leachon said.

He urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize flood mitigation and sanitation as public health imperatives.

Leachon also called on the DOH and local government units to deploy mobile clinics and prophylaxis programs in flood-prone communities, urged private hospitals to report cases transparently and collaborate with public health authorities, and appealed to Congress to investigate the link between failed flood control projects and disease outbreaks.

"Leptospirosis is preventable. Its surge is not just a medical crisis — it is a governance failure. Let this be the moment we align infrastructure, ethics, and healthcare to protect every Filipino," he added.

"The floodwaters may rise, but so must our resolve."

Leptospirosis is a serious infection caused by wading in floodwaters contaminated with rat or animal urine.

Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches, particularly in the calves and back. Some individuals may also experience red eyes, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rash.

In more severe cases, leptospirosis can lead to jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes, kidney failure, meningitis, and lung problems.