Philippines health officials warn of leptospirosis as cases increase in 2023

September 9, 2023

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The Philippines Department of Health (DOH) is advising the public against wading through floodwaters due to leptospirosis. DOH Undersecretary Enrique Tayag said walking in flooded areas should be done at the shortest possible time.

The country has logged a total of 2,168 leptospirosis cases from Jan. 1 to July 22 this year, a 52 percent increase from the 1,423 cases during the same period in 2022.

In an update, the DOH said that the incidence rate of leptospirosis per 100,000 population has increased to 1.97 percent from 1.29 for the same period last year.

The number of deaths due to leptospirosis also increased to 233 from last year’s 201 from the same period.

Of 2,168 leptospirosis cases this year, Central Luzon logged 328: Cagayan Valley, 283; National Capital Region, 248; Davao Region, 205; Central Visayas, 157; Bicol Region, 123; Calabarzon, 120; 115 each from Zamboanga Peninsula and Caraga; Central Luzon, 89; North Mindanao, 84; Mimaropa, 77; Cordillera Administrative Region, 74; Eastern Visayas, 60; Cagayan Valley, 54; 32 from Soccsksargen, 32; and four from Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

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If wading in flood cannot be avoided, the DOH advises everyone to wear boots, cover open wounds with plaster, and keep flood water from entering eyes, ears, and mouth to avoid bacterial infection.

They are also advised to take a bath immediately and take oral prophylaxis (doxycycline) as soon as possible.