Philippines’ leptospirosis cases rise by 36% 

LEPTOSPIROSIS cases in the Philippines had risen by 36% to 1,770 as of Aug. 27 from a year earlier, according to the Department of Health.  

In a statement, the agency said 244 people have died from the bacterial disease that one gets from animal urine or contaminated water.  

Metro Manila accounted for 21% of the cases at 378, followed by Western Visayas with 210 or 12 % and Cagayan Valley with 195 or 11%.  

The Health department said this year’s leptospirosis cases had not been concentrated in one place. — John Victor D. Ordoñez