113 deaths due to leptospirosis since

January 2019
Though the number of cases are much lower than last year, the Department
of Health still warns the public of the dangers of the bacterial disease

Janella Paris
Published 1:01 PM, August 21, 2019

Updated 2:26 PM, August 21, 2019

LEPTOSPIROSIS. Though there are less cases of leptospirosis cases this year compared to
2018, the health department advises the public to be vigilant. Photo by Jire Carreon/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 113

deaths due to leptospirosis from January 1 to August 3 this year, from a total
of 981 cases all over the country.

Based on data released by the DOH Epidemiology Bureau on Tuesday,

August 20, the total number of cases was almost 3 times less during the
same period last year. There were 2,618 cases for the first 7 months of 2018
alone.

Like in 2018, the majority of cases this year came from the National Capital
Region (NCR) with 336, followed by Western Visayas (Region VI) with 128.

Despite the marked decrease in cases, the health department in July warned
the public against the bacterial disease “with the coming of rains and
floods.”

Leptospirosis, according to the World Health Organization, is a bacterial

disease that affects both humans and animals. It can occur worldwide but is
most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, it added.
Human infection happens through "direct contact with the urine of infected
animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.”

"As animals are constantly in our environment, there is a particular danger of

getting leptospirosis when flooding occurs, such as following a typhoon or
very heavy seasonal rains, because of exposure to contaminated water when
wading in floodwaters," the WHO said. (READ: Fast Facts: What is
leptospirosis?)

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III visited leptospirosis patients at the

National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) on Tuesday, August 20,
reminding the public to consult medical professionals as soon as symptoms
like high fever, muscle pain, redness of the eyes, and jaundice or yellow
discoloration of the skin. In worse cases, leptospirosis can lead to kidney or
liver failure.

- Rappler.com
12 dead as leptospirosis cases in
Calabarzon reach 75
By Saul Pa-a August 26, 2019, 12:00 pm

BEWARE OF LEPTOSPIROSIS. Department of Health (DOH) Calabarzon Regional

Director Eduardo C. Janairo (right) directs local health officials and urges local leaders to
take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of deadly leptospirosis in on Friday
(August 23, 2019). The number of leptospirosis cases in the region has reached 75, with
12 deaths.(Photo courtesy of DOH4A-MRCU)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna -- The Department of Health (DOH) in Calabarzon (Cavite,

Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) urged residents to take precautionary measures
as the number of leptospirosis cases in the region has reached 75, with 12 recorded
deaths.

DOH Calabarzon regional director Eduardo C. Janairo also directed local health officials
and local leaders to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of
leptospirosis and the current dengue outbreak in the communities due to the rainy
season.

“Leptospirosis just like dengue is fatal but also preventable. All we need is to clean our
surroundings, be sure that our garbage is well-attended and improve flood control
measures in the community,” Janairo said in his meeting with officials of the province of
Cavite Friday.

He also reminded parents of children fond of playing outside their homes during rainy
days to avoid contracting leptospirosis owing to flooding these days.

“If we have no business to go outside our homes, it is best to stay inside and be safe,”
he added.

The DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) showed a total of 75
leptospirosis cases recorded in the region from Jan. 1 to Aug. 17, this year.
This, however, is 62 percent lower compared with last year’s 199 recorded cases during
the same period.

The infectious disease caused by leptospira bacteria from urine of rats has already
claimed 12 lives in the region, with Rizal province having the highest number of cases
at 34 with seven deaths.

Cavite has recorded 18 cases and two deaths; Laguna with 14 cases and one death;
Batangas – nine cases and two deaths while Quezon has no reported cases.

The cities and towns in the region with high incidence are Antipolo City with 15 recorded
cases; Rodriguez - nine cases and San Mateo - six cases in Rizal province while Binan
City in Laguna and Dasmariñas City in Cavite reported five leptospirosis cases each.

The ages of cases ranged from less than 1 year to 72 years old. Majority of the cases
were male with 13 and most of the cases belonged to the 11-20 years old age group.

Janairo advised those who walk through or wade into flooded areas and streets to wear
boots as the bacteria causing the disease may seep in through open wounds or
scratches on feet and thighs.

“Kailangan din nating uminom ng prophylaxis gaya ng docycyline bago tayo lumusong
sa tubig upang makaiwas sa impeksyon na dala ng leptospirosis (it is necessary to take
prophylaxis like docycyline before wading through flood areas to prevent leptospirosis
infection),” he said.

According to the DOH, the leptospirosis disease is transmitted through skin abrasions
while walking in moist soil, rice fields, and sugar cane plantations contaminated with the
urine of an infected animal, like rats.

Other areas that may likely be contaminated with the disease are swimming pools,
floodwaters, accidental immersion, occupational abrasion or direct contact with urine or
even tissues of infected animals.

Janairo also urged residents to go to the nearest health center or hospital for any
symptoms such as fever; body chills; headache and pains in the thigh, muscles and
joints; redness in the eyes; skin turning pale and yellowish; and difficulty in urinating.
(PNA)