The number of deaths due to leptospirosis in Manila has risen to 48, according to the Manila Health Department on Wednesday.
Based on the latest data from the city health office, new deaths were recorded on Sept. 23, while 18 new leptospirosis cases were also logged.
The total number of leptospirosis cases in the city has now reached 1,488.
The Manila Health Department continues to remind the public to seek immediate medical attention if they have waded through floodwaters and later develop symptoms of leptospirosis.
Manila declared leptospirosis a local epidemic on Sept. 7 after the number of new cases exceeded the city’s epidemiologic threshold.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be contracted through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats.
The city government has urged residents to take precautions, particularly when wading through floodwaters, as flooding can increase the risk of exposure to the bacteria.
