Flood brings many risks — leptospirosis is one of the deadliest.

As the habagat (southwest monsoon) brings continuous rains, the risk of flood-borne illnesses like leptospirosis spikes, calling for the need to execute precautions against bacterial and viral vectors.

The Department of Health (DOH) warns the public that leptospirosis can be a very deadly encounter after wading through floodwaters, underscoring that people with symptoms should seek immediate medical help.

From January to August 8, 2026, the DOH reports a total of 3,440 leptospirosis cases, with 220 deaths.

Meanwhile, due to the continuous downpour causing flooding, Manila logged eight new leptospirosis cases, on August 18.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease contracted through contact with water or mud-contaminated urine of infected animals, like rats.

Additionally, it may be asymptomatic; in other words, no symptoms arise. However, when symptoms do occur, it may include a fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, stomach pain, rashes, and diarrhea, according to Unilab.

The agency brings to light the consequences of this disease, with the youth and farmers being the targeted demographics for contraction of leptospirosis. Most cases this year are farmers working in plantation fields or people who frequently make contact with floodwater.

Without proper treatment via antibiotics, infected patients may develop kidney, liver, or lining of the brain and spinal cord problems. DOH noted, however, to avoid self-medication, as it risks antibiotic resistance, erroneous dosage and timing, and deleterious side effects.

Furthermore, the department warns the public of more cases to come for the rainy season, so it urges the public to practice the following: wear boots, immediately wash contacted areas with clean water and soap, and avoid exposure to possibly contaminated areas.

Concurrently, health officials in Manila are distributing leptospirosis medicines for the public to take after wading through flood waters.