What is leptospirosis and how is it transmitted?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by pathogenic Leptospira species, which is typically transmitted to humans through contact with water that has been contaminated by the urine of infected animals.

What are the symptoms of leptospirosis to watch for?

Common symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rash. If you experience these after exposure to contaminated water, seek medical attention.

How can I prevent leptospirosis during the rainy season?

To prevent leptospirosis, avoid wading through or swimming in floodwaters, wear protective clothing and footwear if contact is necessary, and ensure that any cuts or wounds are properly covered.

Health and Fitness

Protect Yourself From Leptospirosis This Rainy Season

July 23, 202599 views0

Leptospirosis cases rise during heavy rains and floods in the Philippines. Learn what this disease is, why it’s dangerous this rainy season, its symptoms, and the recommended doses for adults and children after exposure.

With continuous rains, thunderstorms, and flood advisories across many parts of the country brought by Tropical Storm Dante and the enhanced southwest monsoon, health experts are again warning everyone about leptospirosis — a serious disease that often spreads during the rainy season.

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What Is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by Leptospira. According to the Department of Health (DOH), the bacteria are usually found in the urine of rats and other animals. When heavy rains and floods occur, this bacteria mixes with water in the streets. If a person wades through this floodwater, especially with cuts or scratches on their skin, the bacteria can enter the body. It can also spread by drinking or using contaminated water.

Why the Risk Is High Right Now

In the past few days, the weather bureau (PAGASA) has reported moderate to heavy rains in many parts of Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Several parts of Luzon are under flood advisories, with continuous thunderstorms expected in the coming days. When floods happen, the chance of getting leptospirosis increases.

What the Numbers Say

The rainy season is always a time when leptospirosis cases rise. Based on the DOH’s recent reports:

From January to August 2024, there were 2,115 leptospirosis cases and 224 deaths nationwide.
By February 1, 2025, the DOH already recorded 422 cases, higher than the 392 cases during the same period last year.
Some areas are seeing alarming jumps. For example, in Caraga region earlier this year, health authorities reported 223 cases from January to May, with Surigao del Sur showing a 407% increase compared to the previous year.

These numbers show that leptospirosis remains a real threat, especially during wet months.

(Sources: DOH official reports, Philippine News Agency, PIA Caraga)

Watch Out for These Symptoms

If you have been exposed to floodwater and start feeling unwell, go to the nearest health center or hospital immediately. Symptoms include:

Fever
Headache
Stomach pain
Red eyes
Yellowish skin or eyes
Decreased urine
Difficulty breathing

According to the DOH, early treatment can save lives. Do not wait for symptoms to get worse.

Recommended Doses After Exposure

For Adults

Low Risk Exposure (no cuts or wounds on the skin): Doxycycline 100 mg/capsule, 2 capsules within 24–72 hours after exposure, single dose.
Moderate Risk Exposure (with cuts or wounds on the skin): Doxycycline 100 mg/capsule, 2 capsules within 24–72 hours after exposure, once daily for 3–5 days.
High Risk Exposure (repeated exposure to floodwater or drinking contaminated water): Doxycycline 100 mg/capsule, 2 capsules once weekly until exposure ends.

For Children (Pediatric)

Doxycycline: 4 mg/kg single dose (maximum dose 200 mg)
Azithromycin: 10 mg/kg single dose (maximum dose 500 mg)
Amoxicillin: 50 mg/kg/day every 6 hours for 3–5 days (maximum dose 500 mg every 6 hours)

Always consult a doctor before taking any medicine.

Source: Philippine Red Cross

How to Protect Yourself from Leptospirosis

Health authorities recommend these simple steps:

Avoid wading through floodwaters. If you must, wear boots and protective clothing.
Cover all cuts and wounds with waterproof bandages.
Always wash with clean soap and water after contact with floodwater.
Drink only safe water. Boil or filter water if you’re not sure it’s clean.
Follow your doctor’s advice if preventive medicine is prescribed.

Final Reminder

With the weather continuing to bring heavy rains and floods in many areas of the Philippines, it’s more important than ever to stay cautious. Leptospirosis is preventable if you stay out of dirty floodwaters and seek medical help quickly when needed.

Stay safe this rainy season – protect yourself and your family from leptospirosis.