Manila, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) expects the number of reported leptospirosis cases in the country to decline.
This comes despite a 49% increase in cases as of September 30, 2026, with 12,654 cases reported compared to only 8,511 cases recorded in 2025.
According to the DOH, only 2,489 cases were recorded during the 3-4 week period from September 3 to 16, 2026, significantly lower than the 3,867 cases reported from August 20 to September 2.
The agency also reported that last week, 29 areas across eight regions reached their epidemic threshold.
This week, however, the number has dropped to 18 areas across seven regions.
The Department of Health also reported a decrease in the 2026 case fatality rate (CFR) for leptospirosis, which stood at 5.25%, compared with the 2025 CFR of 10.56%.
Meanwhile, the DOH continues to monitor and strengthen patient navigation and referral coordination in DOH hospitals and partner government health facilities for patients who require a higher level of care.
The department is also continuing to distribute doxycycline and other medicines to local government units (LGUs) that continue to report high numbers of cases and are still experiencing flooding.
As of October 5, more than one million doxycycline tablets had been distributed through various Centers for Health Development (CHDs) to affected areas.
An additional 40,812 tablets remain available at the National Warehouse and various CHDs across the country to serve as buffer stocks.
The DOH is also implementing strict monitoring of doxycycline supplies at Rural Health Units (RHUs) and Barangay Health Stations (BHS).