Floods brought by rains from the southwest monsoon inundate streets in Brgy. Tañong in Malabon City on July 23, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — The Department of Health on Wednesday declared a code white alert nationwide due to the incessant rains brought by the strong southwest monsoon and reminded the public about the risk of getting leptospirosis.

The DOH in a statement said its health units will conduct proactive monitoring and reporting of any untoward health incidents amid the intense rains, which have spawned flooding in many parts of Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

The agency also warned the public about leptospirosis that can be contracted from infected floodwaters through exposed skin even without visible wounds.

It said antibiotics or pre-exposure pills are available to prevent the bacterial infection transmitted by many animals such as rodents.

"Consult your nearest doctor or health center within 24 hours after wading through floodwaters or touching soil/mud/dirt after a flood," the DOH said.

The DOH recorded 1,258 leptospirosis cases from January 1 to July 13, 2024.

It said the number of cases could still rise due to late reports, especially with the recent enhanced southwest monsoon.

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After getting infected with leptospirosis, the DOH said it generally takes up to 30 days for a person to get sick.

Common symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headache. 

Some people, the DOH said, complain of distinct pain in the calf muscles and reddish eyes. 

In severe cases, people with leptospirosis may experience jaundice or yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, low urine output, and severe headache. 

"Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases; some people have no symptoms," the health bureau said.

Leptospirosis could cause kidney damage, meningitis or inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord, liver failure, trouble breathing, and even death.