Manila declares leptospirosis epidemic amid rising cases

The city government of Manila on Monday declared a "leptospirosis epidemic," after the number of recorded new cases surpassed the epidemiological threshold.

In a social media post, the Manila Public Information Office (MPIO) said Officer-in-Charge (OIC)-City Health Officer Dr. Grace Padilla reported to Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso that the spread of leptospirosis has reached "epidemic condition" levels.

Data from the Manila Health Department (MHD) showed the infection rate surging from 1.27 percent last week to 3.48 percent — an indication of a rapid increase in cases within a short period.

Padilla added that several city government district hospitals — including Ospital ng Maynila, Sta. Ana Hospital and Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital — are already in full capacity due to the continuing influx of patients.

Following the MHD's report, Domagoso directed city government offices to intensify the ongoing campaign against leptospirosis, which includes a public information drive and the distribution of free doxycycline capsules in 44 health centers and seven district hospitals.

Domagoso noted that the city government, through the MHD and village officials, is reaching out to residents, adding that they will be distributing doxycycline to those affected by the recent flooding.