By Tracy Cabrera
SANTA CRUZ, Manila — Amid flooding in most low-lying areas across the country, the Department of Health (DoH) has issued an advisory against the prevalence of leptospirosis cases as it urged the public not to take doxycycline to treat the infection without a doctor’s prescription.
In a statement, DoH disease prevention and control medical officer Dr. Anne Dominique Asis-Matuba warned that doxycycline is a prescription antibiotic for leptospirosis and taking it without a doctor’s prescription can lead to incorrect dosing, pose dangerous side effects and heighten antibiotic resistance.
Doxycycline is available for free at health centers and the DoH continues to distribute supplies to communities, particularly during the rainy season.
Despite the medicine’s availability, however, Dr. Asis-Matuba advised that those who have waded in floodwaters should first seek medical advice at a health center.
“Get a consultation first in a health center as a doctor’s prescription is required to get medication for leptospirosis,” she reminded.
In the meantime, latest monitoring by the health department showed at least 220 deaths from leptospirosis have been recorded in 2026. Asis-Matuba disclosed that 3,440 leptospirosis cases were logged nationwide from January to August 8.
“Although this is lower compared to the 5,318 cases recorded last year, we still need to remain cautious and monitor potential spikes, especially following the recent flooding,” she pointed out.
“We have also recorded 220 deaths from leptospirosis this year,” she added while telling the public to take safety precautions after wading through floodwaters.
“Thoroughly wash the body with soap and clean water, wear protective boots and cover open wounds whenever coming into contact with floodwater. We should also prevent our children from swimming or playing in floodwaters. Most importantly, consult the nearest health center or doctor within 24 to 48 hours after flood exposure,” she stressed.
In ending, the health official strongly urged the public—especially frontline responders—to consult doctors immediately, warning that leptospirosis can be fatal if not properly managed or prevented.
“Beyond leptospirosis, we remind the public to protect themselves against other health threats that include waterborne diseases, influenza (trangkaso), and dengue,” she concluded.
ia/xf
