BACOLOD City — Leptospirosis cases in the city recorded a sharp increase toward the latter part of 2025, prompting the City Health Office (CHO) to intensify preventive measures against the potentially fatal disease.
Based on a CHO report covering epidemiological weeks 51 to 53, from December 14, 2025 to January 3, 2026, a total of 92 leptospirosis cases were recorded, including 10 deaths. This reflects a 170.6-percent increase compared to the same period last year, when 34 cases and eight deaths were reported.
The CHO identified several barangays with the highest number of cases. Barangays Handumanan, Singcang, and Sum-ag each logged seven cases, followed by Banago with six cases. Alijis, Granada, Mansilingan, Tangub, and Villamonte recorded five cases each, while Taculing reported four cases.
Health officials attributed the surge primarily to prolonged exposure to floodwaters contaminated with urine from infected animals, particularly rats. Such exposure commonly occurs during the rainy season and following heavy flooding. Poor drainage systems, improper waste disposal, and wading through floodwaters without protective gear were also cited as contributing factors.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can enter the body through cuts or wounds in the skin, or through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
The CHO urged residents to observe preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection, including avoiding wading in floodwaters whenever possible, wearing protective boots and gloves if exposure is unavoidable, maintaining proper sanitation, and controlling rodent populations in communities.
Residents who develop symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, redness of the eyes, or jaundice after exposure to floodwaters were advised to seek immediate medical attention. Health officials stressed that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing severe complications and reducing mortality.
The CHO assured the public that disease monitoring and information campaigns are being intensified, particularly in high-risk barangays, to curb the further spread of leptospirosis and protect public health./PN
