“Philippine health officials have expressed concern over the risk of diarrhea and other waterborne diseases following days of extensive flooding — and at least 15 deaths — in the north of the country,” after monsoon rains made worse by Tropical Storm Trami (Maring) hit the country last week, IRIN reports. Speaking with the news service, “Philippine Health Secretary Enrique Ona … not[ed] that diarrhea and skin infections related to flooding were top concerns, along with fever, headaches, coughs and colds, and wounds.” According to IRIN, “Of particular concern is an outbreak of leptospirosis — a bacterial infection caused by contact with water contaminated by rat and other animal urine — similar to what happened in 2009 when tropical storm Ketsana struck.” The WHO said “there have been no reports of disease outbreaks, but the situation is being closely monitored and preventive measures are being implemented,” the news service notes (8/21).