03-08-2025
QC logs 43 leptospirosis cases in last week of July
The Quezon City government on Sunday reported 43 new leptospirosis cases as of the end of July, breaching its epidemic threshold following the continuous downpour brought by successive tropical cyclones and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
According to the Epidemiology and Surveillance Division of the Quezon City Health Department (QCESD), the city has breached the epidemic threshold after recording 43 new cases from July 24 to 30 alone.
'Dahil sa pag-ulan noong mga nakaraang linggo, nakikita natin 'yung pagtaas ng kaso ng Leptospirosis. Aabot sa 178 kaso na ang naitala natin ngayong taon, halos 23% mas mataas sa recorded cases natin last year from January to July 30,' said Dr. Rolly Cruz, Epidemiology and Surveillance Division chief.
(Due to the downpour over the past weeks, we've seen an increase in leptospirosis cases. We have recorded 178 cases so far this year—about 23% higher than the number of cases recorded from January to July 30 last year.)
From July 17 to 30 (morbidity weeks 29–30), 67 cases were reported, exceeding the epidemic thresholds for both weeks.
Meanwhile, officials recorded 23 deaths due to leptospirosis, which is a 12% increase from the 18 deaths reported in the same period last year.
The QCESD report reveals that over half of the cases (99) had direct exposure to floodwaters, while 34 cases were linked to contact with other sources of contaminated water.
Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria spread through the urine or feces of infected animals, mostly rats, and affects both humans and animals.
The Quezon City gov't. urged residents exposed to floodwaters to take post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes free doxycycline treatment available in all 66 health centers across the city.
Residents were also advised to seek medical attention should they experience symptoms such as fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headaches.
The Department of Health earlier said it is on alert for a projected rise in leptospirosis cases in the country following weeks of heavy rains and floods brought by the inclement weather. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
