DOH warns on leptospirosis, urges prophylaxis as cases reach 3,400 with over 200 deaths in PH

A grieving mother shares the tragic story of her 17-year-old son, Justin, who died from leptospirosis after a rat bite and subsequent exposure to rainwater. According to data from the Department of Health, the Philippines recorded over 3,400 leptospirosis cases and more than 200 fatalities between January and August 8. Health authorities warn that the leptospira bacteria can enter the body not only through open wounds but also via mucous membranes such as the mouth and eyes when splashed with contaminated floodwater. The agency urges individuals who wade in floods to consult a doctor immediately and take prophylaxis within 24 to 72 hours of exposure. Prophylaxis guidelines vary based on risk categories: low-risk individuals take a single dose of two doxycycline capsules, moderate-risk individuals take doxycycline for three to five days, and continuous high-risk individuals, such as flood responders, take weekly doses until exposure ends. Health experts also caution against other rainy season illnesses, including influenza-like illnesses, dengue, cholera, and amoebiasis, stressing early medical consultation. #Leptospirosis #DOH #HealthAdvisory #Prophylaxis #Doxycycline #FloodSafety #RainySeason #Dengue #PublicHealth #Philippines #HealthWarning #WaterborneDiseases #DiseasePrevention #FloodExposure #ABSCBNNews testing_11