Leptospirosis cases up 76 percent in Calabarzon

MANILA, Philippines — A sharp increase in leptospirosis cases has been recorded in Calabarzon.

The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health (DOH) logged 95 cases from Jan. 1 to July 29, according to DOH regional director Ariel Valencia.

The cases were 76 percent higher compared to the 54 cases recorded during the same period last year.

Valencia said Quezon posted the highest number of cases with 35 followed by Rizal with 22 and Laguna, 16.

Batangas recorded 13 cases while in Cavite, cases dropped from 14 to nine.

Valencia advised residents of Calabarzon to take the necessary precautions against leptospirosis amid rains caused by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon.

He said leptospirosis is a life-threatening illness that can be transmitted through contact with the urine of infected animals or contaminated water.

Valencia advised the public to avoid wading, swimming and playing in floodwaters, and those with symptoms to immediately seek medical assistance.

He said those who experience fever, headache, eye redness or jaundice, vomiting and diarrhea should be taken to hospitals.

Valencia assured the public that there is sufficient supply of doxycycline, an antibiotic, in health centers for those exposed to contaminated floodwater.

He said the DOH had readied 142,000 doxycycline capsules for distribution.