DOH warns public anew against leptospirosis

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday issued a fresh warning against leptospirosis following the recent floods caused by the heavy rains.

“Paalala po sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan, ngayong lumalakas muli ang ulan at may banta ng pagbaha, hanggat kakayanin ay iwasan ang tubig-baha,” said DOH Spokesperson Albert Domingo in a video message.

(We would like to remind the public to remain vigilant and to avoid wading through the floodwaters as heavy rains start to drench parts of the country again.)

“Marumi ito at siyang pinanggagalingan ng sakit na leptospirosis,” he said.

(The floodwaters are dirty and are sources of diseases such as leptospirosis.)

Leptospirosis, a potentially serious infection caused by wading through waters contaminated by the urine of infected animals such as rats, is caused when the bacteria enters the human body through open wounds or through the mouth, nose, or eyes. Symptoms include fever, nausea, dizziness, and body fatigue.

Domingo also reminded the public to prohibit children from swimming through floodwater and to immediately clean with water and soap any body part that got in contact with the floods.

“Kumunsulta sa health center o kaya sa mga lepto-fast lane ng mga DOH hospitals para maresetahan ng prophylaxis o gamot. Tandaan, pag walang baha, walang lepto. Iwasan natin ito,” he added.

(Consult with health centers or DOH lepto-fast lanes for prophylaxis or proper medication. Let us remember: there is no lepto without floods, let us avoid it.)

On Wednesday, the DOH reported a decline in the leptospirosis cases at National Kidney and Transplant Institute following a surge in cases due to the recent floods.

The Health Department logged 2,396 leptospirosis cases nationwide from June 8 to August 7, 2025.

Several hospitals in Metro Manila earlier reported an influx of leptospirosis cases following the floods brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and a series of tropical cyclones that hit the country.

The DOH earlier identified 20 hospitals, including Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), in Metro Manila that were ready to receive patients that other emergency rooms could no longer accommodate. The agency also opened “fast lanes” in some hospitals for leptospirosis patients. — BAP, GMA Integrated News