Manila: Leptospirosis cases in the country are unlikely to rise in the coming days, as recent data shows a plateau in the number of cases daily, a Department of Health (DOH) official stated.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo explained that the incubation period for leptospirosis ranges from two to 30 days, with cases typically increasing one to two weeks after flooding. This explained the rise of leptospirosis cases in the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine General Hospital, and the San Lazaro Hospital.
Domingo shared that the good news is an infectious disease expert at San Lazaro Hospital has reported that their number of cases per day has gone down and is now plateauing, meaning it's no longer increasing, and it may even be decreasing. He noted that this indicates the height of the incubation period has been surpassed.
He also mentioned that Tropical Cyclone Gorio, currently being monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), is not expected to affect the country, reducing the risk of additional flooding that could trigger new infections.
From June 8, a week after PAGASA declared the start of the rainy season, to August 7, 2025, the DOH recorded 2,396 cases of leptospirosis nationwide. To manage the situation, DOH hospitals remain on alert, with some opening dedicated 'fast lanes' for leptospirosis to speed up consultations and treatment.
As of August 9, nineteen DOH hospitals have confirmed leptospirosis fast lanes, including San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, and others. The DOH remains prepared for a possible uptick in cases following recent flooding caused by the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong since July 21.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, commonly rats. It can cause fever, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, organ damage or death if left untreated.