Philippines on alert for leptospirosis cases surge after days of floods

MANILA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday urged vigilance over the surge in leptospirosis cases in the country in the wake of heavy rains and floods triggered by tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon in recent weeks.

"Please be reminded that leptospirosis could lead to death. Take action and consult with the doctors if you have symptoms, especially after wading in floodwaters," the DOH warned on social media.

The DOH recorded 3,037 leptospirosis cases nationwide from Jan. 1 to July 19 this year. Of the total cases, the agency said 1,114 were recorded after June 8, just a week after the country's state weather bureau declared the start of the rainy season.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection commonly spread through water contaminated with animal urine. Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.

Cases of leptospirosis can increase after floods, when people may have to wade through contaminated water.■