Leptospirosis cases, deaths increase

MANILA, Philippines — More than 1,000 leptospirosis cases were recorded in the country in the first quarter of the year, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In its latest disease surveillance report, the DOH said 1,279 cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to April 29.

The number of cases was 91 percent higher compared to the 669 reported during the same period last year.

Western Visayas recorded the highest number of cases with 243 followed by Cagayan Valley with 184 and Davao Region, 109.

The regions with the highest increase in cases are Zamboanga peninsula with 900 percent or from nine to 90; Mimaropa, 683 percent or from six to 47, and Calabarzon, 233 percent or from 18 to 60.

Data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau showed there were 130 deaths due to leptospirosis in the past four months.

During the same period last year, 98 deaths were recorded.

The regions with the highest number of deaths are Davao with 22 followed by Western Visayas, 21, and Cagayan Valley, 18.

The World Health Organization said leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals.

The disease can occur worldwide but is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries.