Leptospirosis Outbreak Hits Philippines, Death Cases Reach 84

Philippines – The Department of Health in Philippines has reported on Thursday that the number of leptospirosis cases has increased, with 878 cases and 84 deaths recorded as of June 15, since flooding began this month.

This number is only half of the 1,769 cases recorded during the same period last year, but cases have been rising in recent weeks.

"From just six cases recorded from May 5-18, there were 60 cases recorded from May 19-June 1, followed by 83 cases observed from June 2-15," It said in a statement.

The number of cases may still increase with delayed reports, the report stated.

All regions experienced an increase in leptospirosis cases compared to the previous month, except for the Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria found in contaminated water or soil. The Leptospira bacteria can enter the body through cuts on the skin or through the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Infected rats can transmit the bacteria to humans through their urine mixed with floodwaters. The Philippine Department of Health advises the public to avoid wading or playing in floodwaters.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, headache, distinctive calf muscle pain, and red eyes.

Severe cases may experience jaundice or yellowing of the skin, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, decreased urine output, and severe headache.

It takes between two to 30 days to fall ill after contact with the bacteria that causes leptospirosis.