Leptospirosis cases jump by 845 in 2 weeks
The Philippines has recorded a significant surge in leptospirosis cases, with over 800 new infections reported in two weeks following heavy monsoon rains. Hospitals in the National Capital Region are struggling with capacity as the bacterial disease continues to spread through contaminated floodwaters.
Why it matters
The spike in cases highlights the public health risks associated with climate-related flooding and the strain on urban healthcare infrastructure.
MANILA, Philippines - The country recorded 845 additional cases of leptospirosis over the past two weeks following incessant rains across several areas brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat and tropical cyclones.
In its recent report released on Monday, August 24, the Department of Health (DOH) said there were 4,285 leptospirosis patients as of August 22.
This is around 25% more than the earlier record of 3,440 cases from January 4 to August 8.
According to the health department, most of the cases were recorded in the National Capital Region, Region 2 or Cagayan Valley, and Region 3 or Central Luzon.
The surge in leptospirosis cases came after tropical cyclones Maymay, Neneng and Luis, as well as the enhanced habagat, swamped several low-lying areas like Metro Manila, Bulacan and Pampanga since the first week of August.
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