DOH: Leptospirosis cases up, dengue down

A gym at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City became a leptospirosis ward as cases ballooned due to flooding from Typhoon Carina in this file photo from August 2024.

Miguel De Guzman

MANILA, Philippines — The number of leptospirosis cases in the country is increasing, with nearly 12,000 infections recorded this year, while dengue numbers have dropped, according to the Department of Health.

As of Sept. 23, DOH data showed 11,965 leptospirosis cases have been reported, which is 46 percent higher than 8,189 cases in the same period last year.

From Aug. 27 to Sept. 9, however, the DOH monitored a decline in the number of cases after 3,284 infections were recorded, compared to 3,330 cases from Aug. 6 to 19.

Despite possible reporting delays, the one percent decrease may signal that the current surge is easing, the DOH said.

The cumulative case fatality rate stands at 5.08 percent, lower than last year’s 10.53-percent CFR.

People should seek medical advice upon exposure to floods, with or without symptoms, the DOH stressed.

Cumulative dengue cases this year remains lower at 168,060 cases, a 30 percent drop compared to 239,001 cases during the same period last year.

The DOH recorded an eight percent increase in the recent three to four weeks with 21,122 cases, compared to the previous five to six weeks with 19,572 cases.

Up to 656 deaths were reported, which is 28 percent lower than last year’s 910.

Forty-eight percent, or 312, of fatalities were clinically classified as severe dengue.

Students were identified as the most affected population.

Zero-balance billing

Close to 50 public hospitals benefited from the P1 billion released for the implementation of the zero-balance billing program, the DOH said.

The budget will be spread out in 48 hospitals in Aklan, Batangas, Benguet, Laguna, Quezon and Sarangani.

Fifteen Laguna hospitals were allocated P294.1 million, while 12 hospitals in Batangas were provided P141.1 million.

In Quezon, 11 hospitals were allotted P152.85 million.

Four hospitals in Benguet were allocated P114.99 million, four in Sarangani will receive P84.2 million and two in Aklan will have P212.69 million.

Under the program, no payment is required from patients for hospital services, including medical procedures, doctor’s professional fees and medications.