DOH says it's ready in case of leptospirosis surge due to floods

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said it is ready to respond to the increasing number of leptospirosis cases, the result of many people having to wade through contaminated floodwaters in the last few weeks.

In a statement, the agency said that 33 DOH hospitals across Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region have activated "leptospirosis fast lanes" to facilitate immediate response to patients.

"Tinitiyak din, sa pamamagitan ng surge capacity management, na sapat ang mga kama o bed capacity at gamot para sa mga pasyenteng kailangang i-admit," the DOH said.

(DOH also ensures, through surge capacity management, that there are sufficient beds and medicines for patients who need to be admitted.)

Leptospirosis, a potentially serious infection that may be contracted through contact with the urine of infected animals such as rats—when the bacteria enters the human body through fresh wounds or through the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Leptospirosis risk often increases after a flood or heavy rain due to contact with contaminated water or soil.

Symptoms include fever, nausea, dizziness, and body fatigue. According to the World Health Organization, leptospirosis may present in severity from "a mild flu-like illness to a serious and sometimes fatal disease."

In data released August 22, the DOH logged 4,285 leptospirosis cases nationwide.

This is 37% lower than the 6,839 cases recorded during the same period last year.

However a slight increase was still observed from July 26 to August 8, with 495 cases reported.

This is 29% higher than the 383 cases recorded from July 12 to 25, 2026.

The highest number of cases was reported in the National Capital Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.

DOH said an increase in leptospirosis is expected since it has an incubation period of five to 15 days.

Close coordination

In a separate statement, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) said it is in close coordination with the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), after it temporarily limited the admission of walk-in patients after reaching full bed capacity due to a surge in leptospirosis cases.

"As with many hospitals during this flooding season, PGH and NKTI are both attending to more leptospirosis patients," PGH said

"PGH remains ready to receive non-leptospirosis cases currently under NKTI's care to allow NKTI to direct more of its capacity toward leptospirosis patients requiring specialized renal care," it added.

Meanwhile, the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila is operating at 300% to 500% of its emergency room capacity amid the surge in cases.

There are currently 87 leptospirosis patients at San Lazaro Hospital, 26 of whom are in severe condition, including those experiencing difficulty breathing and requiring dialysis.

Three leptospirosis patients have also died from Aug. 19 to 22.

Authorities urge the public to take the following measures during times of rain and flooding:

• Avoid playing or swimming in floodwaters
• Wear boots
• Immediately wash the feet with clean water and soap when you get indoors
• Avoid further exposure if you have an open wound

The DOH also urges Filipinos to consult a doctor for suspected leptospirosis instead of self-medicating.— BM, GMA News