Manila, Philippines — The National Capital Region (NCR) continues to record the highest number of leptospirosis cases in the country from January to August, based on the latest report from the Department of Health (DOH).
The number of cases has reached 5,486, although this is still lower compared with the same period last year, when 7,163 cases were recorded.
Aside from NCR, Region II and Region III also recorded a high number of leptospirosis cases.
According to health authorities, they expect the number of patients seeking medical care to increase from September 5 to 8, following the continuous rains and flooding caused by the southwest monsoon, or habagat, and the typhoon.
There are currently 20 hospitals in NCR with leptospirosis fast lanes, seven hospitals in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), two in Region I, one in Region II, and three in Region III.
The Department once again reminded the public that leptospirosis can be fatal if immediate medical attention is not provided.
Doxycycline is available at more than 3,000 PhilHealth-accredited Gamot Providers, while around 471 public hospitals, health centers, and 4,526 YAKAP Clinics are ready to provide consultations.
The DOH is also continuing to deploy additional health professionals to San Lazaro Hospital, which is treating the highest number of leptospirosis patients.
The agency is also implementing a referral system to prevent patients from overwhelming a single hospital.
The most common symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, chills, headache, muscle and leg pain, red eyes, and yellowing of the skin.
These symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop five to 14 days after exposure to floodwater contaminated with the urine of rats or other animals.