23 Oct 2009

Leptospirosis outbreak in Philippines

9:08 pm on 23 October 2009

The World Health Organisation says the Philippines is seeking international help to fight a deadly outbreak of an infectious disease following two devastating tropical storms.

Filipino health authorities say leptospirosis, a bacterial infection, has infected nearly 2000 people and killed 148 of them.

The outbreak occurred in areas of Manila that remain flooded nearly four weeks after Tropical Storm Ketsana struck the capital.

A three-member World Health Organisation team is flying to Manila in the next day or so.