PH leptospirosis case count since January 22% higher than in 2021 — DOH

FILE PHOTO: Sign in a hospital for patients with leptospirosis. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The tally of leptospirosis cases in the country from January to August 6 is 22 percent higher than in 2021, as the country also reported a mortality rate of more than 13 percent from the bacterial infection, data released on Friday by the Department of Health (DOH) showed.

There were 1,411 leptospirosis cases reported from January 1 to August 6, 2022. In the same period last year, the country only reported 1,157 cases.

Most of the cases were reported from Metro Manila, with 263 cases (19 percent); the Western Visayas, with 171 cases (12 percent); and the Cagayan Valley 169 cases (12 percent).

Meanwhile, a total of 188 deaths, or 13.3 percent of the caseload, were also reported.

The deaths were reported on January, 14; February, 11; March,23; April,32; May, 29; June, 29’ and July, 50.

Leptospirosis is a waterborne bacterial disease that can cause kidney failure, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death if not addressed.

According to the World Health Organization, Leptospira bacteria are to blame for leptospirosis. Rodents, swine, dogs, horses, cattle, and other wild animals may all be potential hosts for this bacterium.

RELATED STORY: Leptospirosis: A scourge that comes with rains, floods