DOH Press Release | 24 July 2024

With the inclement weather and flooding in various areas brought about by the Southwest Monsoon strengthened by Tropical Storm Carina, the Department of Health (DOH) has declared a Code White Alert in all its Centers for Health Development (regional offices) nationwide, as well as for the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM).

The health units shall conduct proactive monitoring and reporting of any untoward health incidents via the DOH Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB) integrated information system linked to the HEMB Operations Center (OPCEN).

Meanwhile, the public is reminded of the public health risk of Leptospirosis due to floodwaters. People may get Leptospirosis by wading through floodwaters or handling soil/mud/dirt after a flood, with or without visible wounds, through exposed skin. Symptoms can take as long as one month to appear. There are antibiotics available for prevention (i.e., prophylaxis), and this requires a prescription. Consult your nearest doctor or health center within 24 hours after wading through floodwaters or touching soil/mud/dirt after a flood.

“Mas mabuti pong umiwas sa baha at putik para makaiwas magka-Lepto. Sa mga kailangangang lumusong, gumamit ng bota hanggang tuhod. Hugasan agad ang katawan ng malinis na tubig at sabon pagkatapos. Kumonsulta agad sa doktor, wag maging kampante kasi matagal lumabas ang sintomas,” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.

The DOH observed that as of Morbidity Week 28 (July 13, 2024), the total number of Leptospirosis cases stands at 1,258. In the six weeks before July 13, Leptospirosis cases have been on a downtrend – from 175 cases last June 2-15, to 154 cases last June 16-29, to 111 cases last June 30 to July 13. However, case counts may still rise due to late reports, and especially with recent weather events like the enhanced Southwest Monsoon.

The following regions had increases in Leptospirosis cases from June 2 to July 13: Zamboanga Peninsula, CARAGA, SOCCSKARGEN, Western Visayas, MiMaRoPa, Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao. One hundred thirty three (133) deaths have already been recorded due to Leptospirosis as of July 13.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by many animals, such as rodents and other vermin.  Waste products (e.g., urine and feces) of an infected animal, especially rats, contaminate the soil, water, and vegetation.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease (affecting both animals and humans) caused by the Leptospira bacterium found in contaminated water or soil. Leptospira bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin, or through the eyes, nose and mouth. Infected animal urine like those from infected rats can mix with flood water, which then comes into contact with people wading through or playing in it. Without treatment, Leptospirosis in people can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, trouble breathing, and even death.

Leptospirosis symptoms include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headache. Some cases have distinct pain in the calf muscles, and reddish eyes. Severe cases may have jaundice (yellowish body discoloration), dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, low urine output, and severe headache. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases; some people have no symptoms.

It generally takes 2-30 days to get sick after having contact with the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. Therefore, people must consult doctors immediately after being exposed to (wading or playing in) flood waters as there is a preventive antibiotic prescription.