2,115 lepto cases recorded, spiking after Carina

More than 2,100 leptospirosis cases have been recorded nationwide this year, with cases surging after the flooding caused by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

- RHODINA VILLANUEVA

"Since the start of 2024 until Aug. 3, the total number of recorded leptospirosis cases (in the country) is now 2,115," the DOH said.

The department said it may be lower by 23 percent compared to the 2,757 cases reported in the same period last year, but DOH epidemiologists said there could be late reports coming in.

Included in the department’s total leptospirosis cases were the 255 new cases from July 21 to Aug. 3. This is 17 percent higher than the 217 cases recorded in the previous weeks, or July 7 to 20.

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said they expect a further increase in the numbers once the recently admitted cases in several hospitals are included.