The Quezon City Government is raising the alarm following a sharp rise in leptospirosis cases, exacerbated by relentless rains and widespread flooding over the past weeks.
According to the QC Health Department - Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD), 207 leptospirosis cases and 24 deaths were recorded from January 1 to August 3, mostly due to continuous heavy rains and flooding.
Although this is 15% lower than the same period in 2024, the high number of deaths remains alarming. Most cases involved men aged 41 to 50, while patients were ranged from 5 to 75 years old.
Health officials identified several challenges in controlling the spread of leptospirosis, including prolonged flooding due to clogged drains, poor waste management, and lack of environmental sanitation, which promote rat infestation.
Residents who may have been exposed to floodwaters are urged to immediately take post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes free doxycycline treatment available in all 66 health centers across the city.
Low public awareness of the dangers of wading in floodwaters without protection and delayed consultation or treatment, with many seeking medical care only when symptoms become severe, also contributes to the rise in cases and fatalities.