DOH: Leptospirosis cases down, but don't be complacent
MANILA, Philippines - The number of leptospirosis cases has gone down as flooding in many areas, especially in Metro Manila, has subsided.
“ Where there is no flood, naturally, the number of leptospirosis will also be lessen,” said Dr. Lyndon Leesuy, program manager of the Department of Health’s (DOH) Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases Program.
But the DOH warned yesterday against complacency, saying that more typhoons are expected to hit the country before yearend, and floods are likely to occur again.
Leesuy noted that after storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng,” weather disturbances that entered the Philippine area of responsibility did not bring much rain.
As of Nov. 5, the number of leptospirosis cases in 15 hospitals in Metro Manila has reached 2,279, while deaths were at 177, with the city of Manila accounting for 49 patients.
From Oct. 22 to Nov. 5, the DOH registered only up to four new cases a day, compared to almost 100 cases reported daily in mid-October.
– Sheila Crisostomo
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