Floods raise leptospirosis risk; DOH puts hospitals on alert

Newly appointed Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Edwin Mercado inspected San Lazaro Hospital in Manila to ensure its readiness for an expected increase in leptospirosis cases following continuous rains and flooding.

The DOH said it has activated a Leptospirosis Express Lane to provide faster treatment to patients.

The government has also readied rapid diagnostic tests, antibiotics and hemodialysis units for moderate to severe cases at San Lazaro Hospital.

Mercado also directed DOH hospitals nationwide to ensure their preparedness for a potential surge in leptospirosis cases.

The DOH warned that floodwaters may be contaminated with the urine of rats and other infected animals, exposing people who wade through floods to leptospirosis.

People exposed to floodwaters were advised to immediately consult the nearest health center, preferably within 24 to 48 hours, for proper medical advice and assessment on whether prophylaxis is needed.

The DOH recorded 3,760 leptospirosis cases nationwide from 4 January to mid-August 2026.

While the total remains lower than the number recorded during the same period in 2025, health officials are closely monitoring a recent increase in cases and hospital admissions following heavy rains and widespread flooding brought by the southwest monsoon.

San Lazaro Hospital has set up a dedicated express lane after recording 50 active cases and two deaths amid the recent flooding.

The government has also prepositioned more than 3.1 million doxycycline capsules in regional health facilities for use as prophylaxis when medically appropriate following exposure to floodwaters.