MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) said that leptospirosis cases nationwide from January 4 to August 29 were only 12 percent lower than the same period last year, warning that cases could rise further with more rains and flooding expected in the coming weeks.
DOH Undersecretary Dr. Gloria Balboa said the agency recorded 6,253 leptospirosis cases and 378 deaths nationwide during the period, for a case fatality rate of 6.05 percent.
“We continue to monitor the trend because we need to see whether cases are increasing or decreasing,” Balboa said during a press conference at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) headquarters in Pasig City on Thursday.
She said the gap between this year's cases and last year's figures had been narrowing, from 43 percent lower at the start of monitoring, to 33 percent, then 19 percent, and now 12 percent.
“This means that our cases are increasing,” Balboa said.
She warned that the number could rise further as more storms bring rain and flooding, noting that leptospirosis symptoms may take five to 15 days to appear after exposure.
Balboa said there is no vaccine currently being used in the Philippines against leptospirosis.
Doxycycline may be given as prophylaxis to people exposed to floodwaters, but only after consultation with a health professional.
Prophylaxis refers to preventive treatment given to reduce the risk of developing a disease.
Balboa also advised people experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
She urged the public to remember the DOH's WILD reminder, covering water-borne diseases, influenza, leptospirosis and dengue, and to put preventive measures in place against the four illnesses.
