MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 3,440 leptospirosis cases as of Aug. 8, a 35-percent decline from the 5,318 cases reported during the same period last year.

Despite the year-on-year decrease, the DOH noted a 27-percent increase in cases during the latest two-week monitoring period, with 348 cases recorded from July 12 to 25 compared with 275 cases from June 28 to July 11.

The agency has deployed 3.1 million doxycycline capsules to its central office and 17 regional Centers for Health Development amid heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat.”

DOH-designated Code White Alert centers, local government units, and nearly 3,000 PhilHealth-accredited Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) providers are making the preventive medication available through Yaman ng Kalusugan at Proteksyon (YAKAP) provider prescriptions.

The DOH also reminded the public to seek medical attention within 24 to 48 hours after exposure to floodwaters or mud, even in the absence of symptoms, so health workers can assess the risk and determine whether treatment or prophylaxis is needed.

“Kahit na walang sintomas, kung lumusong sa baha o na-expose sa putik ay agarang magpakonsulta sa pinakamalapit na health center o doktor sa loob ng 24 hanggang 48 na oras upang masuri ang risk level at mabigyan ng karampatang gamutan o prophylaxis,” the agency said.

PhilHealth has also increased its benefit coverage for leptospirosis cases effective July 15. Coverage for standard hospitalization was raised to PHP63,000 from PHP21,450, while benefits for severe and critical cases now range from PHP170,000 to PHP411,000, depending on the complexity of treatment required.

Severe leptospirosis cases are covered under the DOH Zero Balance Billing Program in DOH-administered and PhilHealth-accredited hospitals.

The health agency advised people who must pass through flooded areas to wear protective boots and immediately wash exposed parts of the body with soap and clean water.

Those who develop symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, leg muscle pain or red eyes are urged to seek immediate medical attention at leptospirosis fast lanes in DOH hospitals or other nearby health facilities. (PNA)