Leptospirosis cases in Manila remain above epidemic levels weeks after the city crossed the epidemiologic threshold on Sept. 7, reflecting a broader national trend as cases increased 38% from the same period last year.
On Sept. 7, the city had recorded 982 cases and 35 deaths. The citywide tally continued to rise after the threshold was breached. By Sept. 16, Manila had logged 1,354 cases and 41 deaths, including 34 new infections recorded that day.
City health officials said the monitored rate climbed from 1.27% to 3.48% within a week, indicating a rapid increase in cases. Ospital ng Maynila, Sta. Ana Hospital and Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital were among the facilities reported to have reached capacity.
Manila also stepped up its information campaigns and began distributing free doxycycline through 44 health centers and seven district hospitals to residents who may have been exposed.
Separate data from San Lazaro Hospital highlighted the strain on one of Manila’s major referral facilities. From Aug. 17 through Sept. 28, the hospital admitted 829 leptospirosis patients and recorded 41 deaths.
Admissions reached a high of 50 on Aug. 26 before generally declining from Sept. 3 through Sept. 28.
The rise in Manila is part of a broader increase nationwide. Department of Health surveillance recorded 10,936 suspected cases through Sept. 16, up 38% from 7,931 during the comparable period in 2025.
Floodwater exposure was associated with 7,242 cases, accounting for 66% of the national total. Meanwhile, 46 surveillance areas across 10 regions surpassed the epidemic threshold while continuing to report rising cases.
Leptospirosis is transmitted through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. Health authorities urge people exposed to floodwater to seek medical attention promptly, as delayed treatment can result in severe complications or death.
The surge follows a rainy December in Luzon brought by the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, and typhoons that caused widespread flooding.
