DOH: More leptospirosis cases, but fewer deaths 

Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — As expected after the series of typhoons that struck the country this year, cases of the bacterial blood infection, called leptospirosis, increased substantially from last year, but there were fewer deaths, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

Noting recent weather systems in October, including low pressure areas and typhoons that brought heavy rains and flooding, the DOH said leptospirosis cases rose by two-and-half times, from 594 cases in the two-week monitoring period of Oct. 27 to Nov. 9, compared to 234 cases from Oct. 13 to Oct. 26.

A total of 7,234 leptospirosis cases were reported as of Nov. 23, higher by 19 percent compared to the 6,058 cases in the same period last year.

READ: DOH: Leptospirosis cases rising with 774 new cases in September

The DOH, however, said a lower case fatality rate (CFR) of 9.12 percent was reported as of Nov. 23 compared to the 10.83 percent CFR in the same period of 2023. The World Health Organization defines CFR as “the proportion of individuals diagnosed with a disease who die from that disease and is therefore a measure of severity among detected cases.”

According to the DOH, the continued decrease in CFR despite the rising number of leptospirosis cases this year was due to case management, with the anticipation that typhoons could flood different areas in the country.

Ahead of the six recent typhoons, starting with Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, the DOH said it conducted awareness campaigns to reiterate the importance of washing with soap and water once exposed to floodwaters to lower the risk of leptospirosis.

Through its national and local officials, the department also reminded the public of the importance of early consultation for proper assessment and prescription of prophylaxis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, headache and reddish eyes. In severe cases, symptoms include yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine, light stools, low urine output and severe headache resulting from liver, kidney and brain involvement.

Meanwhile, as the “amihan” season ushers in cooler breeze with some rains across the Philippines, the DOH said it was also closely tracking respiratory infections, particularly influenza-like illnesses (ILI).

As of Nov. 23, the agency said have been 161,555 ILI cases reported nationwide, 18 percent lower compared to the 196,045 cases recorded during the same period in 2023.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa urged the public to help curb the spread of ILI and other respiratory infections by taking preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks when unwell, practicing proper cough etiquette, staying at home if one has coughs and colds, and seeking medical advice when symptoms worsen, to help curb the spread of respiratory infections.