DOH warns against playing in floodwaters due to leptospirosis surge

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa recommended that local chief executives prohibit children from playing and swimming in floodwaters to prevent the spread of leptospirosis.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora announced Tuesday he will introduce a resolution to the Metro Manila Council urging LGUs to ban residents, especially children, from swimming in flood waters and impose sanctions on violators.

The DOH has activated its surge capacity plan in hospitals in the National Capital Region due to rising leptospirosis cases following Typhoon Carina and enhanced Southwest Monsoon, with 255 new cases reported between July 21 and August 3, a 17% increase from the previous period.

Herbosa emphasized that late diagnosis leads to higher mortality rates and plans to discuss with Education Secretary Sonny Angara about educating children on avoiding floodwaters.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headaches, with an incubation period ranging from two to 30 days, typically showing symptoms around one to two weeks after exposure.

As of August 3, the DOH reported a total of 1,444 cases and 162 deaths in the country for 2024.