MANILA – The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) on Wednesday reported a spike in leptospirosis cases in the city, with 103 infections and 20 deaths recorded as of July 15.

According to leptospirosis surveillance data sent by QCESD to the Philippine News Agency, the number of cases rose by 37 percent while deaths increased by 67 percent compared to the same period last year.

The most recent fatality was a 71-year-old man from Barangay Bagong Silangan who died on July 14 after being admitted to Diliman Doctors Hospital on July 12.

City health officials attributed the rise in cases to frequent rains in recent weeks, which have caused widespread flooding in the area.

Between July 6 and 12 alone, 17 cases were recorded, including five deaths. The spike coincided with the heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression Bising on July 4.

District 2 remained the most affected, logging 32 cases. Barangay Commonwealth accounted for 12 of these infections and four deaths.

The surveillance report also indicated that 49 of the confirmed cases had exposure to floodwaters, which is a common route for the transmission of Leptospira bacteria.

The city government has urged residents to avoid contact with floodwaters, especially if they have open wounds or cuts, and to take precautionary measures such as wearing boots or protective gear.

“Kung lumusong sa baha o maruming tubig, agad na magpakonsulta sa health center,” the city government said, reminding the public to immediately seek medical consultation in case of contact with floodwaters.

(PNA)