1,713 leptospirosis cases recorded

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a total of 1,713 cases of leptospirosis due to the massive flooding triggered by the southwest monsoon early last month.

Citing the Quick Count for leptospirosis cases related to the monsoon flooding, DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said that 116 of the victims died of the disease.

The cases were recorded in 20 private and government hospitals in Metro Manila from Aug. 9 to Sept. 16. The DOH will wrap up its Quick Count on Friday.

Last month, Metro Manila and nearby provinces were submerged in floodwaters spawned by torrential rains.

The Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines leptospirosis as “a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals.”

Bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, which can get into water or soil.

“In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases. Some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all. Without treatment, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death,” the CDC website showed.

The 1,713 leptospirosis cases is part of the 3,410 cases, including 149 deaths, recorded by the DOH from Jan. 1 to Aug. 25 nationwide.