MANILA, Philippines – The number of cases of leptospirosis in Metro Manila is up by 247%, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

Data from the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) showed there were 583 cases of leptospirosis were recorded in Metro Manila from January 1 to November 12, compared to the same period last year with 168.

Forty-eight deaths were recorded this year, higher compared to the same period last year with 13.

The DOH recorded 239 cases and 15 deaths among males aged 15 to 30.

Meanwhile, Manila and Quezon City topped the list of cities with the most number of leptospirosis cases with 137 and 103, respectively.

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by direct exposure to bacteria found in animal urine and feces.

Dr. Eduardo Janairo, DOH Metro Manila Director, asked residents to prevent the increase of rodents, which are considered the primary carriers of the virus.

"Everyone should avoid contact with rodents, remove their food sources, water, and items that could provide them shelter. Seal holes inside and outside our homes in order to prevent their entry. Keep them outside our homes so that they will not multiply within the household. Let us also clean up potential rodent food sources outside and destroy their nesting sites," Janairo said in a statement.

Janairo added residents should practice measures such as placing traps, rodenticides and tracking powders to eliminate rodents.

However, Janairo said households with children must be careful in using rodenticides, which are poisonous for humans as well.