A total of 4,285 leptospirosis cases were logged as of August 22, a double-digit decline compared to the same period last year, according to the Department of Health (DoH) on Monday, but warned that a surge in cases is possible due to the disease’s incubation period of up to two weeks.
The recent total number of cases is 37% lower than the 6,839 leptospirosis cases reported during the same period last year, the DoH said in a press release.
However, the agency noted a recent increase in cases, with 495 cases recorded from July 26 to Aug. 8, up 29% from the 383 cases reported from July 12 to July 25.
The highest number of cases was recorded in the National Capital Region (NCR), Region II, and Region III, according to the DoH.
The agency warned that the number of cases could still increase in the coming days as leptospirosis has an incubation period of five to 15 days.
“An increase in cases is still expected, especially given the five- to 15-day incubation period of leptospirosis,” DoH said in a statement in Filipino.
The DoH said it is strengthening its referral system to prevent an influx of leptospirosis patients in a single hospital amid the possible rise in cases following widespread flooding in recent weeks.
A total of 33 DoH hospitals in NCR, Regions I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region have activated leptospirosis fast or express lanes to provide immediate assistance to patients requiring hospitalization.
The agency said it is also implementing surge capacity management to ensure sufficient hospital beds and medicines for patients who need to be admitted.
The DoH advised advised the public, whether they experience symptoms or not, to consult the nearest health center or doctor within 24 to 48 hours after wading through or being exposed to floodwaters.
Health centers, DoH facilities, and Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) clinics remain open to patients seeking consultation and appropriate medication, the agency said.
It added that the Zero Balance Billing Program remains available in DoH hospitals, while expanded Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) benefit packages for severe leptospirosis cases can provide coverage of more than P400,000. — Edg Adrian A. Eva
