(Photo courtesy of PNA)
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) reported a 55-percent decline in leptospirosis cases during the latest two-week monitoring period, although the country’s total infections remain significantly higher compared to 2025.
According to the DOH’s epidemiological report as of October 14, cases dropped to 1,159 from September 17 to 30, compared with 2,570 recorded from September 3 to 16.
The number of provinces and highly urbanized cities flagged for leptospirosis also decreased sharply, from 46 to six.
Despite the improvement, cumulative cases reached 13,530 as of October 14, representing a 47-percent increase from the 9,188 cases reported during the same period last year.
The DOH noted that the case fatality rate declined to 5.41 percent from 10.37 percent in 2025.
“Despite the continuous decline in cases, the Department shall continue to monitor subsequent morbidity weeks to ensure that the downward trend will continue,” the agency said.
To prevent further infections, the DOH continues to remind the public to avoid contact with floodwaters and seek immediate medical consultation when symptoms appear, particularly after exposure to potentially contaminated water.
The agency is also coordinating with its Centers for Health Development to strengthen disease surveillance, assess local health requirements, and maintain adequate supplies of doxycycline in flood-prone and high-risk communities.
Government hospitals and health facilities have been instructed to sustain consultations, treatment, and referral services while preparing for possible increases in cases.
Eligible patients may receive financial assistance through the Zero Balance Billing policy, the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program, and applicable Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits.
Meanwhile, an October 6 memorandum from the DOH Task Force for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases and Other Outbreak-Prone Infectious Diseases directed regional health offices to promptly notify local government units identified as high-risk areas.
The directive also called for intensified monitoring, case investigations, public health education, and the distribution of medicines and diagnostic supplies.
The DOH assured the public that surveillance and preventive measures would continue despite the recent decline in infections.
