Health officials warn of leptospirosis risk as monsoon floods hit Luzon

MANILA — Health authorities in the Philippines are stepping up surveillance for leptospirosis as the enhanced southwest monsoon brings persistent flooding and heavy rainfall to large areas of Luzon, creating ideal breeding conditions for the disease-carrying rodents.

The Department of Health said Wednesday it is tracking the situation closely following reports of rising case numbers during the wet season. The agency documented 3,440 leptospirosis cases from January 4 through the monitoring period, a figure health officials are watching amid the current weather emergency.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted primarily through contact with contaminated water and rodent urine, typically spikes during rainy seasons when flooding spreads the pathogen. The disease can cause severe illness and, if untreated, prove fatal.

The DOH has advised residents in affected areas to avoid wading through floodwaters, maintain proper hygiene, and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms including high fever, muscle pain, and headaches. Health workers have been mobilized to provide treatment and conduct disease surveillance in flood-prone communities.