The Philippine Online Chronicles

Water-borne leptospirosis cases in Metro Manila surged this month compared to last year due to recent typhoons that caused flooding in the region, reported the Department of Health (DOH).

In a report from the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) as shared by DOH-NCR director Dr. Eduardo Janairo, there were 456 cases and 45 deaths due to leptospirosis from January 1 to October 15 this year

"It indicates a 221 percent increase compared to the same period last year with 142 cases and 7 deaths," Janairo said.

The department said that San Lazaro Hospital reported the most cases of the disease, with 226 cases and eight deaths, followed by Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center with 39 cases and four deaths, Quezon City General Hospital with 32 cases and three deaths, East Avenue Medical Center with 25 cases and 13 deaths, Ospital Ng Makati with 18 cases and one death, and Quirino Memorial Medical Center with 12 cases and two deaths.

The majority of the cases (181 cases and 12 deaths) were in people aged 15-30 years.

“The public should continue avoiding flood waters, which could contain the leptospirosis bacteria,” Janairo warned, adding that three to five more typhoons are expected to visit the country until December.

He stood by his directive to hospitals in Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Pasay and Valenzuela to immediately provide Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) to patients with high fever, which is a general symptom of the illness.

Leptospirosis cases in QC also up

Antonieta Inumerable, Quezon City health officer, said in a statement that the incidence of leptospirosis in QC is also growing, with cases reaching 101 with 25 deaths as of mid-October.

She said that the number is a 110 percent increase compared to last year’s 48 cases and one death.

Besides leptospirosis, Janairo also warned the public of athlete’s foot which can be contracted when feet are exposed to floodwaters.

“The infection is highly transmissible. Do not wear socks while using wet boots to avoid having blisters. No matter how many times you treat your feet with ketoconazole ointment, once you tread again in floodwaters, the fungal infection will return,” he said.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease characterized by fever, muscle pain and jaundice, and in severe cases affects the liver and kidneys.  It can be treated once it is properly diagnosed.