THIGH-HIGH WATERS. Two residents wade through thigh-high floods in Palmera Homes in Novaliches, Quezon City in this photo taken in July 2024. The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division reported on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) a 67 percent rise in the number of deaths in the city from leptospirosis, often transmitted through exposure to floodwaters. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) has logged a spike in leptospirosis cases in the city, recording 103 cases and 20 deaths as of July 15.
Leptospirosis surveillance data sent by the QCESD to the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday reflected a 37 percent increase in cases and a 67 percent rise in the number of deaths compared to the same period last year.
The Quezon City government said the most recent fatality was a 71-year-old man from Barangay Bagong Silangan, who died on July 14 after being admitted to the Diliman Doctors Hospital on July 12.
City health officials attributed the surge in infections to the frequent rains these past weeks, resulting in widespread flooding.
A total of 17 leptospirosis cases with illness onset were particularly recorded from July 6 to 12, including five deaths, when Tropical Depression Bising brought heavy rains to the country on July 4.
District 2 remained the most affected with 32 cases, with 12 infections and four deaths coming from Barangay Commonwealth.
The surveillance data showed that 49 of the confirmed cases were exposed to floodwaters, a common transmission route of the Leptospira bacteria.
The city government urged the public to avoid wading, swimming, or playing in floodwaters, especially if they have open wounds or cuts.
Residents were also encouraged to wear boots or protective gear and thoroughly wash their hands and feet after contact with floodwaters.
“Kung lumusong sa baha o maruming tubig, agad na magpakonsulta sa health center (In case of contact with floodwater or dirty water, immediately seek consultation at the nearest health center),” the city government said. (PNA)
