Leptospirosis infections plunge

The Department of Health (DoH) reported a sharp decline in leptospirosis cases during the latest monitoring period, although the cumulative number of infections recorded this year remains higher than last year’s figure.

The DoH recorded 745 cases from 24 September to 7 October, a 60-percent decrease from the 1,879 cases reported from 10 to 23 September.

Six provinces and highly urbanized cities in Regions II, IV-B and XI, as well as the Cordillera Administrative Region, were identified as having the highest number of cases during the period.

Despite the decline in recent cases, the nationwide total has reached 13,785 this year, 46 percent higher than the 9,453 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.

The case fatality rate also improved, dropping to 5.43 percent from 10.31 percent in the comparable period last year.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be contracted through contact with water, soil or food contaminated by the urine of infected animals, including rats, dogs and pigs.

People may be exposed when contaminated water enters the body through cuts or abrasions in the skin or through the eyes, nose or mouth.

The disease is a particular concern during and after flooding, when contaminated water may come into contact with people who wade through floodwaters or clean affected areas.

Health authorities advise the public to avoid wading in potentially contaminated floodwaters, use protective footwear and clothing when exposure cannot be avoided, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop after possible exposure.