MANILA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported a 29-percent spike in leptospirosis cases from July 26 to Aug. 8, with 495 cases recorded across the nation during that period.
Total cases from January to Aug. 22 reached 4,285 nationwide, down 37 percent year-on-year, but health officials warned of further increases due to the disease's incubation period of 5 to 15 days.
The National Capital Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon registered the highest number of cases. The government urged those exposed to floodwater to seek medical consultation within 24 to 48 hours, even without symptoms, according to the DOH. ■