This article is based on information from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article ‘Leptospirosis cases seen to plateau, no surge expected – DOH official’ published on 2025-08-11.
The Department of Health (DOH) reports that leptospirosis cases in the Philippines are unlikely to increase in the coming days. Recent data indicates a plateau in the number of daily cases, according to a DOH official.
In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo explained that the incubation period for leptospirosis ranges from two to 30 days, with cases typically rising one to two weeks after flooding. This explains the increase in leptospirosis cases observed at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine General Hospital, and San Lazaro Hospital (SLH).
Domingo noted that an infectious disease expert at San Lazaro Hospital reported a decrease in the number of cases per day, indicating a plateau.
This suggests that the peak of the incubation period has passed.
READ: Leptospirosis — A Comprehensive Guide to Prevention and Treatment
From June 8 — a week after PAGASA declared the start of the rainy season — to August 7, 2025, the DOH recorded 2,396 cases of leptospirosis nationwide.
To manage the situation, DOH hospitals remain on alert, with some opening dedicated “fast lanes” for leptospirosis to expedite consultations and treatment.
As of August 9, 19 DOH hospitals have confirmed leptospirosis fast lanes:
- San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital
- East Avenue Medical Center
- Quirino Memorial Medical Center
- Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium
- Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital
- Philippine Orthopedic Center
- San Lazaro Hospital
- Valenzuela Medical Center
- Tondo Medical Center
- Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center
- Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center
- Rizal Medical Center
- Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
- National Children’s Hospital
- National Center for Mental Health
- Lung Center of the Philippines
- National Kidney and Transplant Institute
- Philippine Children’s Medical Center
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine
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The DOH remains prepared for a possible increase in cases following recent flooding caused by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong since July 21.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, commonly rats. It can cause fever, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, organ damage or death if left untreated.
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