The figure is only half of the 1,769 cases registered during the same period last year, but it was noted that contagions have increased in the last few months, since the rains that caused flooding began this month.

From only six cases reported from May 5 to 18, 60 cases were confirmed from May 19 to June 1, followed by 83 cases from June 2 to 15,” the DOH informed.

All regions in the Philippines had increases in leptospirosis cases over the previous month, except for the Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by leptospira bacteria found in contaminated water or soil, which can enter the body through skin wounds or through the eyes, nose and mouth.

Rats infected with these bacteria can also infect people through their urine, which mixes with floodwater. DOH advised the public to avoid walking or playing in flooded areas.

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