DOH declares leptospirosis outbreaks in several barangays in 7 Metro Manila cities

July 5, 2018

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday declared leptospirosis outbreaks in several barangays in seven cities in Metro Manila.

In a press conference, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said there are outbreaks in a total of 18 barangays in the cities of Quezon, Taguig, Pasig, Parañaque, Navotas, Mandaluyong, and Malabon.

“Outbreaks in certain parts of Metro Manila have been declared following the rising number of leptospirosis cases in the last two weeks,” said Duque.

These areas are:

Quezon City – Brgy. Bagbag (3 cases), Brgy. Silangan (5), Brgy. Batasan Hills (9), Brgy. Commonwealth (7), Brgy. Novaliches Proper (4), Brgy. Payatas (5), Brgy. Pinyahan (3), Brgy. Vasra (4);

Taguig City – Brgy. Lower Bicutan (5), Brgy. Maharlika Village (3), Brgy. Signal Village (4), Brgy. Western Bicutan (4);

Pasig City – Brgy. Pinagbuhatan (4);

Parañaque City – Brgy. BF Homes (3), Brgy. San Dionisio (3);

Navotas City – Brgy. North Bay Blvd. South (3);

Mandaluyong City – Brgy. Addition Hills (3);

Malabon City – Brgy. Concepcion (3)

Asked why the health department declared outbreaks in the  areas, Duque said the five-year average of 76 cases of leptospirosis cases in Metro Manila during the period of June 10 to July 3 was breached after tallying 105 cases this year.

“The epidemic threshold has been breached after seeing more cases than the average number of incidents in the last five years,” explained Duque.

“This year’s cases during the said period is 38 percent higher than the five year average of 76 cases,” added DOH - Epidemiology Bureau Director Ferchito Avelino in a separate interview.

Data from the DOH – Epidemiology Bureau states there have been 368 leptospirosis cases in Metro Manila, including 52 deaths, for the period of January 1 to July 3.

And with the declaration of leptospirosis outbreaks, Duque said they alerted hospitals in the National Capital Region to admit and manage cases and appropriately refer them to specialty hospitals, if needed.

Duque said all local health offices are also encouraged to provide prophylaxis to high risk communities.

Duque also reiterated their call to the public, especially those that waded in flood water, to be vigilant over symptoms of leptospirosis and seek medical treatment immediately. DMS