Quezon city: Leptospirosis cases in Quezon City (QC) have reached 812 as of Wednesday, according to the city's Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (ESD).
According to Philippines News Agency, QC ESD Chief Rolly Cruz stated in an interview on Thursday that the latest data, as of September 9, indicates a 40 percent increase in leptospirosis cases compared to the same period last year. "Ang datos natin, yung pinaka-latest ay yung kahapon, Sept. 9, meron na tayong 812 na natatala na nagka-leptospirosis dito sa Quezon City. Ito ay 40 percent higher compared to the same period last year," Cruz explained.
Despite the rise in cases, there is a notable decrease in fatalities. Cruz highlighted, "Ang kagandahan dito ay mas kaunti o halos kalahati lang ang record natin na namatay kesa noong last year, kasi ngayon nasa 48 lang ang case fatality natin compared to 97 last year." This shows a significant reduction in deaths, with the current number of fatalities at 48 compared to 97 last year.
Cruz mentioned that Quezon City has been above the epidemic threshold since Week 34, around mid-August, when cases surpassed the expected number for that period. The increase in leptospirosis cases is attributed to the successive southwest monsoon rains, which have caused flooding in Metro Manila and exposed residents to potentially contaminated floodwaters.
Further, Cruz noted that additional cases might emerge from the late-August flooding due to the incubation period of leptospirosis, which ranges from two days to almost a month, with an average of 10 to 14 days.
Data from QC ESD showed that the Commonwealth area recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Tatalon, Payatas, and Batasan Hills. Cruz cautioned that the high number of cases in these barangays does not necessarily mean the disease was contracted there, as some patients might have been exposed while working or traveling.
The groups most commonly affected include unemployed individuals, those who spend significant time outdoors, construction workers, and students. The ages of those infected range from 4 to 80 years, with an average age of 30, and more than 80 percent of the patients are male. The largest number of deaths occurred among those aged 41 to 50.
Cruz expressed concern over delayed consultations, particularly among men who often seek medical attention only after their condition worsens. "Ito yung talagang mahirap na magpunta talaga sa center natin, hindi talaga magpapa-checkup hangga't walang nararamdaman. 'Pag nahihirapan, humihina, at saka pa lang siya magpapa-check-up," he commented.
Acknowledging the challenge of avoiding floodwaters during continuous rains, Cruz urged residents to avoid exposure whenever possible and to seek medical attention after wading through floodwaters.
