The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday advised the public to seek medical evaluation within 24 to 48 hours after wading through floodwaters or handling mud, even in the absence of symptoms.
Health officials explained that prompt check-ups allow medical personnel to evaluate exposure risks and determine whether preventive medication or treatment is required.
The warning follows continuous rainfall and widespread flooding driven by the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” which has heightened the threat of coming into contact with water or soil contaminated by urine from infected animals, particularly rats.
“Kahit na walang sintomas, kung lumusong sa baha o na-expose sa putik ay agarang magpakonsulta sa pinakamalapit na health center o doktor sa loob ng 24 hanggang 48 na oras upang masuri ang risk level at mabigyan ng karampatang gamutan o prophylaxis,” the DOH stated.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira. It spreads when individuals wade through infected floodwaters, especially if they have open skin wounds, or when contaminated water enters the eyes, nose, or mouth, or through the ingestion of tainted food or water.
The health agency advised the public to avoid stepping into floodwaters whenever possible.
“Kung hindi maiiwasan, magsuot ng bota at agad na maghugas ng kamay at katawan gamit ang sabon at malinis na tubig,” the agency advised.
Symptoms of the infection usually surface within 5 to 14 days following exposure, though the incubation period can range from 2 to 30 days. Key indicators include fever, chills, severe headaches, muscle or leg pain, eye redness, and jaundice.
“Kung nakararanas naman ng lagnat, sakit ng ulo, panginginig, pananakit ng likod o binti, o di kaya’y pamumula ng mga mata, agad na magpakonsulta sa Leptospirosis Fast Lanes ng DOH hospitals o sa pinakamalapit na health facility,” the DOH added.
As of August 8, the DOH has logged 3,440 cases of leptospirosis nationwide, reflecting a 35 percent drop compared to the 5,318 cases recorded in the same period last year. However, recent figures show a uptick, with 348 cases recorded from July 12 to 25—a 27 percent increase from the 275 cases logged between June 28 and July 11.
To manage potential surges, the agency has placed regional Centers for Health Development on Code White Alert and maintains close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Furthermore, 3.1 million doxycycline capsules have been prepositioned across DOH central and regional offices for distribution to health facilities and local governments. The medication can also be obtained through accredited YAKAP and GAMOT providers.
Patients seeking treatment at government facilities can utilize the Zero Balance Billing Program in DOH hospitals, while the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) provides expanded coverage packages for moderate to severe cases requiring intensive care.