QUEZON CITY — The Quezon City Government is raising the alarm following a sharp rise in leptospirosis cases, exacerbated by relentless rains and widespread flooding over the past weeks.
Based on data from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) under the Quezon City Health Department (QCHD), the city has breached the epidemic threshold after recording 43 new cases from July 24 to 30 alone.
“Dahil sa pag-ulan noong mga nakaraang linggo, nakikita natin ‘yung pagtaas ng kaso ng Leptospirosis. Aabot sa 178 kaso na ang naitala natin ngayong taon, halos 23% mas mataas sa recorded cases natin last year from January to July 30,” said QCESD Chief Dr. Rolly Cruz.
From July 17 to 30 (morbidity weeks 29–30), 67 cases were reported, exceeding the epidemic thresholds for both weeks. This year, 23 deaths due to leptospirosis have already been recorded—a 12% increase from the 18 deaths reported in the same period last year.
The QCESD report reveals that over half of the cases (99) had direct exposure to floodwaters, while 34 cases were linked to contact with other sources of contaminated water.
“Nakukuha sa maruming tubig ang sari-saring sakit tulad ng leptospirosis. Kaya kung maaari, huwag munang lumusong sa baha. Kung hindi maiiwasan, ugaliing magsuot ng protective gear tulad ng bota at raincoat,” reminded QCHD Officer-in-Charge Dr. Ramona Abarquez.
Residents who may have been exposed to floodwaters are urged to immediately take post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes free doxycycline treatment available in all 66 health centers across the city.
QCitizens are also advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body pain, diarrhea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or reddening of the eyes.
“Nakakamatay ang leptospirosis, kaya huwag itong balewalain. Handa ang Quezon City Government na tumulong sa bawat QCitizen—mula sa libreng gamot hanggang sa tuluyang paggaling. Let us all stay vigilant and protect one another,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte.
To complement health interventions, the city is also addressing the root causes of flooding, including the clearing of construction debris from both public and private projects that block waterways.
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