Leptospirosis increased by 51% in the first 7 months
Leptospirosis in the philippines (12 Apr 2023)
Media cited the Philippine Department of Health as reporting 1,015 cases (85 deaths) of leptospirosis between January 1, 2023 and March 18, 2023.
The number of cases increased year-on-year in 16/17 regions of the Philippines.
Western Visayas reported the most cases (212), the Cagayan Valley region (128), Central Visayas (89) and the Zamboanga Peninsula (87).
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection found in the urine of infected animals (usually mice or other rodents).
Humans become infected by contact with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
Tips for our travelers
(In the UK there is no vaccine to protect against leptospirosis)
Total of 2,168 confirmed cases of leptospirosis between January 1 and July 22 this year.
The incidence of leptospirosis, a waterborne infectious disease, increased by 51% in the first seven months of the year as the country suffered heavy rains and flooding caused by recent tropical storms.
According to Health Ministry data, there were a total of 2,168 confirmed cases of leptospirosis between January 1 and July 22 this year, up from 1,432 cases recorded during the same period last year.
From June 25 to July 15, 168 new cases were reported nationwide, a slight decrease of 4% from the 175 cases recorded two weeks ago.
You may be at increased risk of catching an infection during your trip if you:
I. participating in outdoor water sports such as whitewater rafting, extreme racing, kayaking, or triathlon events, especially after heavy rain or flooding
II. wading in flood water or swimming or bathing in contaminated water
III. at risk because of your job, i.e.
farmers, veterinarians, drainage workers and aquarists are at higher risk
If you are traveling to an area that has had an outbreak of leptospirosis, you should:
I. be aware of the risks and avoid exposure to fresh water, especially after heavy rains and floods when contamination is more likely
II. Always protect your skin when traveling, especially in tropical climates.
All cuts, scrapes and open wounds in the skin must be covered with a waterproof bandage.
III. avoid swallowing or drinking water that can cause infection
IV. wear protective clothing (diving suit and goggles), especially footwear, eg wading boots, if the risk is considered high and exposure is unavoidable.Thorough washing and showering after possible exposure can help.
However, the DOH warned that the number of infections “could increase further with late reports”.At least 233 people have died from leptospirosis since January of this year, a case fatality rate of 10.8%.
According to the Ministry of Health, regions in central Luzon and the Cordilleras have seen the number of infections “constantly increase” over the past two weeks.
Leptospirosis is usually transmitted to humans through water contaminated with the urine of animals, especially rats, and by contact with damaged skin or eyes.
Symptoms include fever, chills and severe headache, which usually appear 4 to 14 days after exposure to flood water or contaminated mud.To avoid infection, the public should “maintain the cleanliness of the surrounding environment, especially areas where waste is stored,” the health agency said.
INQ
