Metro Manila reaches leptospirosis alert threshold with 2,890 cases

MANILA, Philippines — Leptospirosis cases in Metro Manila have reached the alert threshold after the Department of Health (DOH) recorded close to 2,900 cases of the waterborne disease.

Latest data from the DOH – Metro Manila Center for Health Development showed that from Jan. 1 to Nov. 9  (Morbidity Week 45) this year, total leptospirosis cases have reached 2,890.

This is 95.14 percent higher compared to the same period last year with 1,481 cases.

“Overall, Metro Manila has reached the epidemic threshold,” the DOH noted in its report.

An epidemic threshold, also known as an alert threshold, is the level of incidence in which a disease requires an immediate response.

It indicates a situation wherein an infectious disease is rapidly spreading to a large number of people.

Most leptospirosis cases – 701 or 24.26 percent – were from Quezon City, according to DOH data.

Malabon had the highest attack rate of 4.40 per 10,000 population.

Most cases belong to the 25-29-year age group at 318 or 11 percent.

The DOH said a majority of cases were male at 2,308 (79.85 percent).

It added that 225 deaths were reported, or a case fatality rate of 7.79 percent.

The agency again reminded the public not to swim or wade in flooded areas or water that might be contaminated with animal urine.

“Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because of their job or recreational activities,” it said.

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira.

Human infection happens through direct contact with the urine of infected animals such as rats, pigs, dogs, horses and cattle, or with a urine-contaminated environment such as floodwater.

The disease is treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline or penicillin, which should be given early in the course of the disease.