Leptospirosis Cases Surge in Philippines, India Amid Heavy Rains

3 weeks ago 11

August 5, 2025 | 01:33 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines reported 3,037 cases of leptospirosis between January 1 and July 19, 2025.

The disease, which spreads through contact with urine from infected rats carrying Leptospira bacteria, often surges during floods as contaminated water facilitates transmission.

Of the total cases, 1,114 occurred within six weeks following the start of the rainy season, which had been declared by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Cases continued to rise into late July. According to the Department of Health on Saturday, July 2, hospitals across the Philippines recorded 569 new leptospirosis cases between July 13 and 31, as reported by GMA News.

Rainy weather is also believed to the spread of the disease. In connection with the continuous rain caused by tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon wind last week, the Department of Health is alert to the possibility of an increase in leptospirosis cases in this country," the Philippine Department of Health said, as quoted by Inquirer.

Leptospirosis in India

In India, a surge in leptospirosis cases has been reported in Ernakulam District, Kerala. According to Times of India on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the district recorded 15 deaths from the disease in the first seven months of the year, averaging two deaths per month.

Leptospirosis can progress rapidly, making timely treatment critical. Many patients reportedly died after developing severe symptoms or critical conditions.

Within just 29 days, Ernakulam logged 46 confirmed cases. Children and adults with underlying health issues are particularly vulnerable to complications such as organ failure or meningitis.

Leptospirosis in Indonesia

In Yogyakarta, Indonesia, authorities have not declared an outbreak despite 21 cases and seven deaths reported so far in 2025. On Tuesday, July 29, Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo met with the Health Office to address cases found in 11 districts.

"For leptospirosis, it is not declared as an extraordinary event (KLB), but extraordinary management will be implemented," Hasto said on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

As part of the response, the Yogyakarta City Government has instructed all hospitals to remain on 24-hour standby and to accept referrals for suspected cases.

"Because sometimes patients with fever symptoms sent to the emergency unit are not accepted because they are not considered urgent," Hasto added.

Transmission of Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans. According to the Siloam Hospitals website, the bacteria can enter the human body through cuts, open wounds, or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Infection often occurs through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals.

Pribadi Wicaksono contributed to the writing of this article.

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