The Philippines Department of Health (DOH) reports an increase in leptospirosis cases during the first five months of the year.
According to DOH data, a total of 2,177 cases of leptospirosis were reported from January 4 to June 6, a six percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
According to data, most of these cases are farmers because they are often soaked in mud and water that can be contaminated by the urine of the infected animal while working in the rice field.
As protection against leptospirosis, there is doxycycline in health facilities that can be provided, based on doctor's assessment. Health officials remind do not take antibiotic or any medicine without a doctor's prescription.
It also underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation and local government intervention to educate farmers on preventive measures and ensure their health and safety while at work.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria. Infected animals spread the bacteria through their urine (pee). When infected animals pee, the bacteria get into the water or soil and can live there for weeks to months.
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You can be infected if you touch fresh water, soil, or other objects contaminated with infected animal urine. The most common ways to get infected is urine or contaminated water getting in your eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin (such as a cut or scratch). You can also get infected by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
Some people with leptospirosis do not have any symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), red eyes, stomach pain, diarrhea, and sometimes a rash. Without proper treatment with antibiotics, people with leptospirosis may develop serious problems with their kidneys, liver, or lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). In some cases, leptospirosis can cause death.