Medical professionals attend to patients at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City on Monday, August 24, 2026. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- The Quezon City Government said it is expanding access to doxycycline across the city to boost the prevention of leptospirosis and ensure that residents exposed to floodwaters will receive timely intervention.
Under their new system, the drug will be made available not only in health centers but also through QC Action Offices, designated outreach sites, and accessible community spaces such as local churches.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) will conduct house-to-house distribution for residents in flooded and high-risk areas who cannot reach these fixed distribution points.
Manila leptospirosis cases hit 'epidemic' levels
“After exposure to floodwater, every hour matters. We want to remove barriers to access by bringing doxycycline closer to our communities, especially to residents in areas most vulnerable to flooding,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte in a statement.
The QC LGU will also provide standardized information on leptospirosis prevention, symptoms, and treatment to residents receiving the medicine.
It said that they are coming up with a standardized Doxycycline Flood Exposure Kit for inclusion in emergency go-bags and for distribution to identified priority families.
The move comes after severe weather and flooding brought by the enhanced habagat last August.
Data from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) show that 555 leptospirosis cases were recorded in August, accounting for 75 percent of all cases reported in the city from January to September 7, 2026.
The City breached the epidemic threshold during epidemiological week 32, or August 9 to 15, with cases peaking during weeks 33 and 34, covering August 16 to 29.
Quezon City breaches epidemic threshold for leptospirosis
Despite the high number of cases, leptospirosis deaths declined by nearly 45 percent, from 85 during the comparable period last year to 47 this year.
“The decline in fatalities shows that early prevention, consultation, and treatment can save lives. But we cannot be complacent. Our goal is to make sure every resident who may have been exposed knows what to do and can get help quickly,” Belmonte said.
The LGU reminded residents that doxycycline should be taken only after appropriate medical assessment and that anyone who develops symptoms after exposure to floodwater should seek medical attention immediately.