THE Department of Health (DOH) warned the public Wednesday against leptospirosis as it noted the rising cases from nine private and public hospitals in Metro Manila.

“With the recent spate of flooding in the different areas of the country, we expect cases of leptospirosis to rise after two weeks and it is still best to be aware of the symptoms and seek early treatment of the disease,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

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DOH recorded 157 cases in San Lazaro Hospital; 69 in East Avenue Medical Center; 70 in The Medical City; 28 in National Kidney and Transplant Institute; 18 in Quirino Medical Center; 17 in Philippine General Hospital; 13 in Rizal Medical Center; 10 in Manila Doctor’s Hospital; and one in Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

In Calabarzon area leptopirosis cases were also reported.

“This is a cause for concern since this surge in cases being reported by only nine Metro Manila hospitals already represents about half of last year’s annual figures when we reported 769 total cases,” said Duque.

Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, director of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, said Secretary Duque already ordered the National Epidemiology Center to study the cases of leptospirosis, which was brought about by the flooding caused by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

“We are looking also on the operationalization where in they will be tested or detected even at the community level because what is happening right now is that the initial symptoms of leptospirosis are very much alike with common flu,” Oliveros said.

She said the DOH has already recorded 28 cumulative numbers of deaths caused by the disease.

Though associated with rat urine, leptospirosis can also come from cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, and wild animals.

The disease is caused by the direct contact of bacteria from water and absorbing it through the cuts in the skin.

The bacteria live in freshwater and are killed immediately by heat, disinfectant, acids and alkalis.

According to Oliveros, flu-like symptoms will usually occur like fever, red skin rash, joint pain and body weakness. Incubation period may last up to a month. Death may also occur.

“If there’s already redness or soreness in the eyes, yellowish skin tone or if the amount of your urine is lesser and the color is tea like, that means you already have complications,” Oliveros added.

Leptospirosis’ incubation period is seven to 12 days after exposure. Some may appear as early as four days after the person’s direct contact or as late as 21 days.

Oliveros said those who already experienced the symptoms of this disease should consult medical physicians and those who are still in flooded areas should wear protective gears to avoid any contact with dirty waters.

She said if not prevented, leptospirosis can cause further ailment like acute renal failure and meningitis. (Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex)