Leptospirosis cases, deaths still up

MANILA, Philippines — Leptospirosis cases in the country are still increasing amid continuous rain and flooding.

The latest disease surveillance report of the Department of Health (DOH) showed that 4,274 cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to Sept. 16.

The cases were 75 percent higher compared to the 2,446 reported during the same period last year.

Metro Manila recorded the highest number of cases with 1,057 followed by Western Visayas, 464 and Cagayan Valley, 404.

Cases in Zamboanga peninsula rose by 259 percent or from 37 to 133 cases; Mimaropa, 188 percent or from 42 to 121; and Cordillera Administrative Region, 132 percent or from 68 to 158 cases.

Deaths due to leptospirosis also increased, data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau showed.

Up to 477 deaths have so far been recorded this year compared to 350 last year.

Metro Manila logged the highest number of deaths with 122 followed by Calabarzon with 47. Western Visayas and Davao logged 45 deaths each.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.

Human infection occurs through direct contact with the urine of infected animals such as rats, pigs, dogs, horses and cattle or with a urine-contaminated environment such as floodwater.