Senator Camille Villar has filed a resolution calling for a Senate inquiry into the Department of Health’s (DoH) response to a recent spike in leptospirosis cases across the country.
Alarmed by the rise in infections, Villar is urging the Senate to investigate how the DoH and other agencies are working to curb the disease, particularly during the rainy season when flooding is common.
“Leptospirosis is a serious public health problem, mainly affecting the productive age group and those living in flood-prone areas,” Villar said in the resolution.
She cited DoH data showing that 2,396 leptospirosis cases were recorded nationwide between 8 June and 7 August.
Villar cited that Metro Manila accounted for a significant number of those cases, and several hospitals in the region have already set up “fast lanes” for patients with symptoms of the disease.
While the DoH reported that cases have recently plateaued, Villar said the threat remains, especially in vulnerable areas.
The resolution seeks to strengthen existing measures for prevention, early detection and treatment of leptospirosis, which is a bacterial infection transmitted through water contaminated by animal urine.
Villar also called for intensified public information campaigns, better coordination among agencies and increased access to medical care for at-risk communities.