DOH declares leptospirosis outbreak in 7 cities

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday declared an outbreak of leptospirosis in seven cities in Metro Manila.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said there is an on-going outbreak of leptospirosis in the cities of Quezon, Taguig, Pasig, Parañaque, Navotas, Mandaluyong and Malabon.

“We opted to declare an outbreak because the average incidence of leptospirosis in Metro Manila for the past five years has already been breached,” Duque noted.

Based on data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau, a total of 105 leptospirosis cases were recorded in Metro Manila from June 10 to July 3 – 38 percent higher than the 76 cases posted during the same period last year.

From Jan. 1 to July 3, cases of leptospirosis in Metro Manila reached a total of 368, including 52 deaths.

In particular, Duque said, the outbreaks are in Barangays Bagbag, Silangan, Batasan Hills, Commonwealth, Novaliches Proper, Payatas, Pinyahan and Vasra in Quezon City and Barangay Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City.

He said there are also outbreaks in Barangays Lower Bicutan, Maharlika Village, Signal Village and Western Bicutan in Taguig as well Barangays BF Homes and San Dionisio in Parañaque.

Outbreaks were also declared in Barangays North Bay Boulevard South in Navotas, Addition Hills in Mandaluyong and Concepcion in Malabon.