DOH: Leptospirosis cases up 37.7 %

The Department of Health (DOH) reported an increase in cases of leptospirosis in first eight months of the year. According to the latest report from the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau (DOHEB), a total of 1,194 leptospirosis cases were recorded from January 1 to September 2, 2017.

"This is 37.7 percent higher compared to the same period last year, which had 867 cases ," the DOH report said.

Some 119 deaths due to leptospirosis were also reported within the same period this year, compared to 98 last year.

Most of the cases were recorded in the National Capital Region with 261 cases, followed by Central Luzon (131), Western Visayas (128), Ilocos Region (122) and Davao Region (119).

“Leptospirosis is caused by leptospira spirochetes. It is acquired from food, water, and soil that are contaminated by the urine of rats,” the DOH report said.

The DOH reminded the public to avoid wading in floodwaters which is teeming with the causitive agent of the disease.

If the same cannot be avoided, one must make sure to thoroughly wash and sanitize the exposed body parts immediately.

Leptospirosis is characterized by fever, muscle pain, reddish, yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine, light stools, low urine output, and severe headache.