When floods hit, one invisible danger lurks in the water. Leptospirosis. Every rainy season, hospitals across the Philippines report a spike in leptospirosis cases, especially in urban areas where drainage is poor and families are forced to walk through floodwaters.

Let us talk about what it is, how to prevent it, including antibiotic use and PhilHealth coverage, and when to seek urgent medical help.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. It spreads through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, most commonly rats, dogs, and livestock. The bacteria enter the body through cuts, wounds, or even through the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Walking through floodwater, even with small scratches on the skin, can expose a person to infection.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 30 days after exposure and can easily be mistaken for other illnesses. Watch out for:

• Sudden high fever
• Muscle pain (especially in the legs and lower back)
• Headache
• Red eyes
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark colored urine or reduced urination

In severe cases, leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure, liver damage, meningitis, respiratory distress, or even death. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.

When to Seek Medical Help

If someone develops flu like symptoms and had recent contact with floodwater or mud, do not wait. Go to the nearest health center or hospital right away. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as doxycycline which are most effective when given early.

How to Prevent Leptospirosis

• Avoid wading through floods unless absolutely necessary
• Wear rubber boots and gloves if you must walk through floodwaters
• Wash thoroughly with clean water and soap after exposure
• Cover wounds and skin breaks at all times
• Boil drinking water during flood alerts
• Keep surroundings clean to prevent rat infestation
• Report any dead animals or rat sightings to local authorities

Some local health units offer preventive antibiotics during flood events, especially in high risk areas. Consult your barangay health center immediately after exposure.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis: What the Guidelines Say

The Philippine DOH and medical societies recommend doxycycline as an antibiotic prophylaxis based on exposure risk:

• Low risk exposure (single contact with floodwater, no wounds): 200 mg single dose within 24 to 72 hours after exposure
• Moderate risk (single exposure with wounds or accidental ingestion): 200 mg daily for 3 to 5 days, started within 24 to 72 hours after exposure
• High risk (continuous exposure, flood workers or rescuers): 200 mg once weekly, starting 1 to 2 days before exposure and continuing through the risk period

Note that antibiotic prophylaxis is not 100 percent effective and should only be taken under a doctor’s prescription. It is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 8 years old, or nursing mothers.

PhilHealth Coverage for Leptospirosis

PhilHealth provides a package rate of ₱14,300 to cover hospital admission for leptospirosis. Benefits include:

• Room and board
• Professional fees of attending physicians
• Diagnostic tests and laboratory work
• Medicines and medical supplies
• Use of hospital facilities

Patients and dependents must ensure the hospital is PhilHealth accredited and that proper case documentation is filed. For exact coverage and claims, check with the hospital’s PhilHealth office.

What Is the DOH Doing?

The Department of Health regularly issues advisories on leptospirosis during the rainy season. They coordinate with LGUs to distribute information materials, monitor cases, and provide emergency treatment supplies to local health facilities.

In some areas, DOH also provides free doxycycline as a prophylaxis for those heavily exposed to floodwaters.

Final Reminder

Leptospirosis is deadly but preventable. Every time it rains and floods, protect yourself and your family by combining preventive measures, timely medical attention, and, if needed, hospital care supported by PhilHealth. Prevention is better than cure and in this case, early action could save a life.

Stay dry, stay safe, and spread the word.

Sources

• Department of Health Philippines
• Philippine Information Agency
• Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• PhilHealth Case Rate List No. 1 (2023)
• PIDSPhil Clinical Practice Guidelines on Leptospirosis (2010 and 2022 updates)