THE Quezon City government has raised concern over the rising number of leptospirosis cases in the city following recent floods, with at least 24 deaths recorded this year.
In a statement, the local government said 207 cases were reported from Jan. 1 to Aug. 3. The tally is 15% lower than the 243 cases in the same period last year, but the city noted that fatalities remain high.
“Based on data, the main cause of the disease is wading in floodwater or dirty water contaminated with the urine of rats and other animals,” the statement said.
Authorities warned that the risk of infection increases in low-lying areas after heavy rains and flooding caused by storms and the southwest monsoon.
The patients’ ages ranged from five to 75 years, with most cases involving men aged 41 to 50.
In July alone, the city recorded 115 new cases, 85% of which involved patients who sought hospital treatment three or more days after experiencing symptoms.
