Due to heavy rains caused by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and Tropical Storm Carina, the Department of Health (DOH) has advised the public to avoid contact with floodwaters and mud to prevent leptospirosis.

"Mas mabuti pong umiwas sa baha at putik para makaiwas magka-Lepto," advised Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.

"Sa mga kailangangang lumusong, gumamit ng bota hanggang tuhod. Hugasan agad ang katawan ng malinis na tubig at sabon pagkatapos. Kumonsulta agad sa doktor. Wag maging kampante kasi matagal lumabas ang sintomas," he added.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by animals such as rodents.

People can contract leptospirosis by wading through floodwaters or handling soil, mud, or dirt after a flood, even without visible wounds, through exposed skin.

As of July 13, the DOH has recorded 1,258 cases of Leptospirosis, a 41% decrease compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 2,150 cases.

Over 133 individuals have died due to Leptospirosis as of July 13.

Several regions, including Zamboanga Peninsula, CARAGA, SOCCSKARGEN, Western Visayas, MIMAROPA, Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao, have reported increases in cases from June 2 to July 13.

Meanwhile, the DOH has declared a Code White Alert in all its regional offices nationwide, as well as for the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The health units will conduct proactive monitoring and reporting of any health incidents through the DOH Health Emergency Management Bureau integrated information system linked to the HEMB Operations Center.