By Trixee Rosel
Health officials reported a sharp rise in leptospirosis infections, with cases jumping 138 percent from August 5 to 18, pushing numbers above the city’s alert threshold as rains from the southwest monsoon (Habagat) continue.
The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) recorded 62 new cases and five deaths during the two‑week period. Patients ranged in age from four to 74, with a median age of 31.
Of the new cases, 44 were male, including construction workers, students, bicycle drivers, security guards, a garbage collector, and a delivery rider.
From January 1 to August 18, the city logged 197 leptospirosis cases and 24 deaths, according to QCESD monitoring. Barangay Commonwealth recorded the highest number of new cases with eight, followed by Payatas and Batasan Hills with four each.
U.P. Campus, Bagong Silangan, and San Antonio each reported three cases.
The Quezon City Health Department urged residents to avoid wading in floodwaters and to wear protective footwear and clothing if exposure is unavoidable.
Those exposed were advised to wash thoroughly with clean water and soap and monitor for symptoms such as fever, headache, jaundice, and muscle pain, particularly in the legs.
Residents who develop symptoms after floodwater exposure were told to seek immediate consultation at health centers or hospitals.
Free post‑exposure prophylaxis using doxycycline is available at city health centers, but officials reminded the public not to take antibiotics without medical consultation and a prescription.
