THE MANILA city government recorded 479 new leptospirosis cases on Tuesday, Sept. 1, a significant increase from the 111 cases posted during the first seven months of the year.
The month of August, which saw continuous heavy rains in Metro Manila, recorded the largest increase in cases, with the tally peaking at 89 cases on Aug. 26, data from the Manila Public Information Office showed.
As of Sept. 1, the total number of leptospirosis cases in Manila had reached 590. The local government urged the public to avoid floodwaters to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Leptospirosis is primarily transmitted through floodwaters contaminated with animal urine, most commonly from rats.
The weather bureau reported that typhoons Luis, Maymay, Neneng and Obet had enhanced the southwest monsoon in August, resulting in continuous heavy rainfall. Schools in the capital region, including the University of Santo Tomas, declared multiple class suspensions due to inclement weather.
On Aug. 17, about 5,000 Thomasians were stranded in several campus facilities following a midday class suspension from the Manila city government.
Other waterborne diseases, such as dengue and influenza-like illnesses, also saw a spike in cases this month. An additional 444 dengue cases brought the total to 2,547, while 380 new influenza-like-illnesses cases raised the total to 1,221.
In response to the rising cases of leptospirosis, the Manila city government offered free doxycycline through its health department and health centers. F
