MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday that leptospirosis cases are rising, with 774 new cases recorded from September 8 to 21.

DOH said the new cases are “twice as high” as the 381 recorded cases from August 25 to September 7. Furthermore, 509 deaths have been reported so far, 11 percent lower than the 570 recorded deaths during the same period last year.

The health agency also said the total cases now stand at 5,835 as of October 5, 2024. DOH noted that this figure is 16 percent higher than the 5,050 recorded cases from the same period in 2023.

READ: DOH: Garbage issues worsen leptospirosis

DOH also pointed out that Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos) were the only regions in the country that did not exhibit an increase in leptospirosis cases over the previous three to four weeks leading up to October 5.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reminded the public of the possible health concerns caused by wading through floodwaters.

“As we expect more rain to come, we must always be mindful of what to do especially if there is flooding. Avoid floodwaters as much as possible,” Herbosa said in a statement.

The health secretary also advised the public to “wear closed and protective footwear, and wash exposed skin to lower the risk of Leptospirosis infection” if exposed to floodwaters.

EXPLAINER: Leptospirosis kills, how to avoid it

Humans can get infected by the illness caused by the leptospira bacteria when they come in contact with water, food, or soil containing contaminated animal urine.

Early symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. DOH also said that infected persons can also experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark-colored urine, low urine output, and severe headache.

The health agency previously said that doxycycline medicine for leptospirosis can be obtained through a prescription.

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