Leptospirosis cases surged by 17% after Carina, Habagat —DOH

The number of people who got infected with leptospirosis rose to 255 in the aftermath of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday. 

Latest data by the DOH showed that the 255 new leptospirosis cases from July 21-August 3 were 17% higher than the 217 cases recorded from July 7-20.

This brought the total caseload so far this year to 2,115, which was 23% lower compared to the 2,757 cases reported during the same period in 2023. 

The DOH epidemiologists, however, remained cautious in interpreting trends as there may be late reports. 

There were 224 deaths also reported this year due to leptospirosis.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Monday said at least four people recently died because of leptospirosis after Carina and Habagat brought severe floods to many areas in Luzon, including Metro Manila. 

With this, Herbosa said he would recommend to local chief executives to prohibit people, particularly children, from swimming in flood waters due to the risk of getting leptospirosis. 

The DOH currently implements a surge capacity plan in hospitals under its supervision in the National Capital Region. 

The agency on Sunday also assured the public that doxycycline, which is used in treating leptospirosis, is readily available in the market, health centers, and hospitals, but suspected cases need to consult first with a doctor and obtain a prescription for the drug.

Doxycycline is prescribed both as a prophylaxis and antibiotic against leptospirosis. Currently, a price freeze is in effect for this drug until September 23.

Dengue

Dengue cases, on the other hand, also increased by 33% year over year from 102,374 to 136,161 as of August 3, according to DOH data. 

Fewer deaths due to dengue were recorded so far this year at 364, compared to the 401 last year. 

The DOH attributed this development to the efforts of people to seek early consultation and hospitals doing better case management. 

The DOH has been reminding the public to practice the 4S strategy against dengue: Search and destroy breeding places; Secure self-protection; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas, especially now that the rainy season is here. —KBK, GMA Integrated News