BACOLOD City – Leptospirosis-related deaths in this city have climbed to five, based on records from January 1 to June 7, 2025, according to the City Health Office (CHO).
This comes after two more deaths were recorded in epidemiological week 23 (June 1 to 7), bringing the total number of confirmed leptospirosis cases to 10 for the year.
Dr. Grace Tan, chief of the CHO’s Environmental Sanitation Division, said the fourth fatality was a 43-year-old male resident of Barangay 21. The patient reportedly waded through floodwaters on May 13 and 24. Four days before his hospital admission, he developed a fever and experienced multiple episodes of diarrhea. He was admitted on May 25 and died on June 3.
The fifth fatality was a 57-year-old woman from Barangay Handumanan. According to Tan, she had difficulty breathing, fever, and occasional cough four days before being confined to a hospital on June 8. She did not seek any medical consultation prior to her hospitalization. The patient also had a history of wading in floodwaters during the first week of June. She passed away on June 9.
Barangays Banago and Handumanan each recorded two cases, while Barangays Estefania, 12, Mansilingan, Bata, Villamonte, and 21 recorded one case each.
Tan reported a 25% increase in leptospirosis cases compared to the same period last year, which recorded eight cases and two deaths.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira species. It is transmitted through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. The bacteria can enter the body through broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Tan urged individuals with a history of exposure to floodwaters or potentially contaminated environments to seek immediate medical consultation or prophylaxis at their nearest health center or private doctor.
To prevent leptospirosis, the CHO advises the public to avoid wading or swimming in floodwaters, cover wounds properly, maintain good hygiene, and control rodent populations in and around their homes./PN
