Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has urged the public to stay vigilant amid a possible surge in leptospirosis cases after persistent heavy rains triggered by the southwest monsoon and a series of tropical cyclones in recent weeks.
The DOH warning highlighted the disease’s high risk of fatality.
People were advised to seek medical attention at healthcare facilities if they experience symptoms of the disease, especially after contact with contaminated floodwater, to receive timely support from doctors and specialists.
From the beginning of the year to July 19, the DOH recorded 3,037 leptospirosis cases nationwide. Of these, 1,114 cases were reported after June 8, just one week after the Philippine meteorological administration officially declared the start of the rainy season.
The DOH also announced that 569 leptospirosis cases were recorded in hospitals nationwide between July 13 and 31.
Leptospirosis is an infection that can be transmitted to humans if they come into contact with water contaminated by the urine of infected animals./.
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