Leptospirosis cases up 119%

MANILA, Philippines — More than 4,000 leptospirosis cases have been recorded nationwide.

In its latest disease surveillance report, the Department of Health (DOH) said 4,157 leptospirosis cases were reported from Jan. 1 to Dec. 10 last year.

The DOH said the cases were 119 percent higher compared to the 1,900 reported during the same period last year.

The National Capital Region logged the highest number of cases with 832 followed by Western Visayas with 554 and Cagayan Valley with 455.

Soccsksargen recorded the highest increase in cases at 900 percent or from three to 30; Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 850 percent or from two to 19, and Zamboanga peninsula, 497 percent or from 33 to 197.

Data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau showed that there were more reported deaths caused by leptospirosis last year at 491, a case fatality rate (CFR) of 11.8 percent.

During the same period in 2021, 201 deaths were recorded – a CFR of 10.6 percent.

The regions with the most number of leptospirosis-related deaths are Metro Manila with 89; Western Visayas, 77, and Central Luzon, 52.

Leptospirosis, according to the World Health Organization, is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals.

Human infection is caused by direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.

The DOH has been reminding the public to avoid wading in floodwater. If it cannot be avoided and the person has an open wound, post-exposure treatment is advised.