MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-six leptospirosis patients have recovered and been cleared for discharge from San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, offering a positive development amid a surge in cases linked to recent flooding.
According to a report by Bombo Radyo on August 27, the 26 patients were discharged after receiving treatment at San Lazaro Hospital. Most of the patients were reportedly infected after being exposed to floodwaters.
But while the recoveries bring some relief, health officials continue to warn the public not to underestimate leptospirosis—especially after walking or wading through contaminated floodwater.
Leptospirosis cases reach 4,285 nationwide
The Department of Health (DOH) reported 4,285 leptospirosis cases nationwide as of August 22, 2026.
The figure is actually 37% lower than the 6,839 cases recorded during the same period last year. However, the number of new infections has been climbing in recent weeks.
From July 26 to August 8 alone, the country recorded 495 cases, a 29% increase from the 383 cases recorded during the previous two-week period. The National Capital Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon recorded the highest concentrations of cases.
The DOH has warned that more cases could still emerge because leptospirosis can take several days before symptoms appear following exposure to contaminated floodwater.
Manila hospitals under pressure
The situation has placed significant pressure on hospitals in Metro Manila.
San Lazaro Hospital has experienced a major influx of leptospirosis patients, while Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center reported that its emergency room had reached full capacity. The National Kidney and Transplant Institute also reported full bed capacity amid the surge.
Despite the pressure on hospitals, the government has activated a coordinated referral system and 33 leptospirosis fast lanes in government hospitals across Metro Manila, Cordillera, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon to speed up assessment and treatment.
Manila records deaths as cases continue rising
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said the city had recorded 197 leptospirosis cases as of August 26, including 89 new cases recorded that day.
The mayor also reported five leptospirosis-related deaths during the week and said the city had increased its supply of doxycycline, an antibiotic used in appropriate cases following medical assessment.
Officials are now urging residents who were exposed to floodwater to seek medical advice rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe.
What symptoms should you watch for?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be acquired through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rats.
Possible symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle or calf pain
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Red eyes
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
The illness can become severe if treatment is delayed. DOH officials have advised people exposed to floodwater to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop.
Health authorities also caution the public not to self-medicate with doxycycline. DOH-Ilocos said the antibiotic is prescription medicine and whether preventive treatment is appropriate depends on the individual’s level and type of exposure.
26 recoveries bring hope—but the warning remains
The recovery of 26 patients at San Lazaro Hospital is a reminder that early recognition and appropriate medical treatment can make a difference.
But with flooding continuing to expose communities to potentially contaminated water, health authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant.
The key message from health officials is simple: avoid unnecessary contact with floodwater, protect open wounds, wash thoroughly after exposure, and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
For those who have recently waded through floodwaters, the danger may not end when the water disappears—because symptoms of leptospirosis can take time to emerge.
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