The country has logged an increase in the number of leptospirosis and dengue cases amid the onset of the rainy season, the Department of Health said Monday.
The DOH said 182 new leptospirosis cases were recorded from June 18 to July 1, a 42-percent jump from the 128 cases reported two weeks prior.
Central Luzon, in particular, showed a continuous increase in leptospirosis cases in the past 6 weeks, the department said.
As of July 15, some 2,079 reported cases of leptospirosis were recorded nationwide since the start of the year, with 225 fatalities.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever and chills, red eyes, vomiting, jaundice and head and muscle aches.
The DOH likewise recorded a 16 percent hike in dengue cases with around 9,486 new cases logged in the last three to four weeks, with all regions — except Region II, BARMM, and CARAGA — showing a spike in cases,
A total of 80,318 dengue cases were reported across the country as of July 15, with at least 299 fatalities.
The DOH said dengue cases may still increase due to late reports.
It describes dengue as the fastest-spreading vector-borne disease in the world that is endemic in 100 countries.
The disease has no cure but can be managed if detected early.
The public is encouraged to beat dengue through the 4S strategy: search and destroy, seek early consultation; self-protection measures; and say yes to fogging during outbreaks, the DOH said.
