DOH: Leptospirosis cases up by 42% in last 2 weeks

The Philippines’ leptospirosis cases increased by 42% in the last two weeks amid the widespread floods triggered by the continuous rains, the Department of Health (DOH) has said.

According to Maki Pulido’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” the DOH recorded 182 new cases of leptospirosis from June 18 to July 1 — significantly higher than the 128 cases it monitored in the two weeks prior.

A total of 2,079 cases of leptospirosis were recorded in the country before Typhoon Falcon and Egay developed over the Philippine waters. The death toll stands at around 255.

Leptospirosis is caused by the leptospira spirochetes that are acquired from infected urine or feces of animals such as rats that contaminate food, water and soil.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affecting both humans and animals, the DOH said.

Caused by pathogenic Leptospira species bacteria, human infection occurs through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or by contact with a urine-contaminated environment, such as surface water, soil and plants.

State weather bureau PAGASA said the southwest monsoon (habagat) enhanced by Typhoon Falcon is expected to continue bringing occasional to monsoon rains over the western portion of Luzon and Visayas in the next three days.

The persisting downpour has caused massive flooding in several areas in Luzon and Metro Manila including Valenzuela City.

More than 1,000 residents were evacuated from their homes due to the flood waters and are currently in 13 evacuation centers in the city.

Several roads in Valenzuela also remain flooded including McArthur Highway, and G. Lazaro Street, which the city government said will be soon resolved.

“By now 60 percent is done. Malaking improvement na dahil malalapad na yung drainage at tinataas na kalye,” said Mayor Weslie Gatchalian.

(By now 60 percent is done. It’s a big improvement because the drainage will widen and the roads will be heightened.)

The Valenzuela government offered free transportation services for the affected passengers. The pick-up and drop-off points were posted on its Facebook page.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News