ILOILO — As torrential rains continue to batter Western Visayas, health authorities are sounding the alarm over a rising number of leptospirosis cases in Iloilo province, with 72 infections and one death reported as of July 12, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
This marks a six percent uptick from the same period in 2024, which logged 68 cases and three deaths.
Health officials warn that prolonged exposure to floodwaters — often contaminated by animal urine — remains a major driver of the infection, especially among farmers and flood-stricken communities.
“Sa aton farmers and laborers, kay sila gid ang exposed pirme sa baha ukon talamnan, maghalong gid. Kon puede, magsuksok sang boots kon indi gid malikawan ang paglusong sang tubig-baha. Manghugas using tinlu nga tubig kag habon,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, IPHO head, advising workers in wet environments to prioritize personal hygiene and seek preventive medication from their Rural Health Units (RHUs).
The Department of Health (DOH) has also raised concern over the growing number of leptospirosis infections nationwide as rainy season floods and pests fuel the spread of waterborne diseases.
“Dahil tag-ulan na, kailangang bantayan ang W.I.L.D na sakit na uso tuwing umuulan: Leptospirosis – galing sa ihi ng daga na nasa baha,” the DOH stated, urging the public to remain vigilant and observe proper hygiene practices.
DOH Region 6 clarified that while leptospirosis is widely linked to rat urine, other animals — including dogs, pigs, and cattle — may also carry the leptospira bacteria that infect soil and floodwaters.
The bacteria can enter the human body through skin cuts or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Transmission may occur through direct contact with contaminated water, ingestion of tainted food or drinks, or even from splashes of dirty water hitting the face.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, chills, headache, red eyes, muscle pain, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. If left untreated, the disease may lead to kidney failure, liver damage, meningitis, or death.
IPHO reported confirmed cases in 28 towns. Janiuay and Oton recorded the highest incidence with five cases each, followed by Badiangan, Dumangas, Lambunao, Leon, and Pototan with four cases each.
Several towns, including Sara — which logged the lone fatality — reported three cases. Other affected municipalities include Barotac Viejo, Estancia, San Miguel, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Batad, Concepcion, Dueñas, Igbaras, Lemery, Miagao, and Zarraga.
To prevent infection, health authorities recommend:
* Avoiding floodwaters whenever possible
* Wearing boots and gloves when exposure cannot be avoided
* Practicing proper garbage disposal to control rodents
* Washing thoroughly with soap and clean water after contact with dirty water
* Maintaining home sanitation and securing clean drinking water
The province’s health sector has stepped up surveillance and monitoring in high-risk barangays to curb the spread of the disease as more rains are expected in the coming weeks./PN