BACOLOD City — The Sangguniang Panlungsod here has raised alarm over a sharp 200 percent increase in leptospirosis cases recorded between March 29 and April 4, 2026, compared to the same period last year.
Data from the City Health Office (CHO) showed that from January 1 to April 4 this year, a total of 12 cases and three deaths were recorded, significantly higher than the four cases and one death logged during the same period in 2025.
Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly transmitted through exposure to water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
The disease typically becomes more prevalent during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, conditions that increase the risk of exposure in urban communities.
Councilor Em Ang, chairperson of the committee on health and sanitation, said the sudden surge poses a serious threat to public safety and requires immediate and coordinated intervention.
In response, the City Council passed a resolution urging concerned government offices to intensify preventive and response measures across the city.
Under the resolution, the CHO is directed to coordinate closely with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the City Veterinary Office (CVO), and all 61 barangays to strengthen public awareness campaigns.
The campaigns will focus on educating residents on prevention, early detection, and proper treatment of leptospirosis.
The CHO has also been urged to ensure the availability of prophylactic medicines and essential treatment supplies in all health centers, while intensifying surveillance and case monitoring in affected areas.
To address environmental risk factors, the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) and the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) have been called on to accelerate drainage de-clogging, improve flood mitigation systems, and strengthen solid waste management initiatives.
Residents are likewise advised to take precautionary measures, including avoiding contact with floodwaters, wearing protective footwear when outdoors, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, or jaundice develop.
The resolution was authored by Ang, who emphasized the need for swift action to curb the spread of the disease and safeguard public health./PN
