MANILA, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported "a decreasing trend" in the number of Leptospirosis cases across the country, with a tally of 4,575 cases reported nationwide and 393 deaths as of Sept. 7.
The number of 1,726 cases reported from July 28 to Aug. 10 decreased by 77 percent to only 396 cases from Aug. 11 to 24, the DOH said.
"In the most recent 1-2 weeks (Aug. 25 to Sept. 7), the number has gone down to just 124, but this may change due to incoming reports due to the recent typhoon and inclement weather," the health agency said in its press release.
The DOH said it sees the decreasing trend in Leptospirosis cases as an opportunity to further strengthen messaging on the perils of leisure in floodwaters. It has urged the public to maintain good hygiene, properly care for wounds, avoid contact with floodwaters as much as possible, wear protective footwear, and wash exposed skin to reduce the risk of infection from Leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affecting humans and animals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), humans get infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.
The bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin or the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes, according to the WHO. ■