Leptospirosis cases still high

Nurses and Philippine Red Cross medical assistants attend to patients diagnosed with leptospirosis at the emergency room and wards of San Lazaro Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila, on August 26, 2026.

Noel Pabalate / The Philippine STAR

MANILA, Philippines — There is still a high admission of leptospirosis cases at the San Lazaro Hospital (SLH), with the majority of cases already in the severe stage.

In a radio interview yesterday, SLH’s Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Department head Dr. Rontgene Solante said their current leptospirosis patient admissions stand at 10 to 15 a day.

He noted that last week, leptospirosis admissions at SLH was 20 to 30 a day.

“We thought at this point our admission rate is already on a decline. But it is not really decreasing,” he said.

Solante explained that if a person waded in floodwater, the earliest appearance of leptospirosis symptoms could be on the third to fifth day. “But it can be as long as two weeks,” he said.

Solante reminded the public that doxycycline prophylaxis should never be taken without a doctor’s prescription, particularly for pregnant women and children below eight years old.

“There are alternative medications, but they need to consult a doctor first,” he said.

To prevent leptospirosis, the SLH reminded the public to avoid wading in floodwaters, wash body parts exposed to floods with soap and clean water, keep surroundings clean and free from rodents, drink clean water, eat well-cooked food and consult a doctor immediately if experiencing symptoms.

Latest data from the Department of Health showed that 6,253 leptospirosis cases have been recorded in the country.

It warned that infections may surge as another wave of cases could be experienced in two weeks following the flooding brought by heavy rains on Aug. 29 to 30.