ILOILO – With flooding affecting multiple towns across the province, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is ramping up preventive measures to avert a potential leptospirosis outbreak, particularly in hard-hit agricultural and low-lying communities.
IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon assured the public that the province has a sufficient supply of doxycycline — an antibiotic used to prevent leptospirosis — and other essential medicines ready for immediate distribution to rural health units and municipal health centers.
“Our provincial health office has a prepared supply of doxycycline and other medications in case our communities and primary care facilities need them. We have already assessed our stocks and made provisions in our supply room for the province,” said Dr. Quiñon. “In fact, we have already distributed some supplies and have identified locations for additional distribution in various municipalities.”
Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease spread through contact with floodwaters contaminated by animal urine, especially from rats. Farmers and residents frequently exposed to dirty, stagnant waters are particularly at risk.
Common symptoms include high fever, chills, muscle aches, red eyes, nausea, and jaundice. If left untreated, the disease can cause kidney failure, liver damage, meningitis, or even death.
Dr. Quiñon said the IPHO’s emergency management team had been working overtime over the weekend to monitor the situation on the ground.
“Sang Sabado kag Domingo, ang aton nga health emergency management staff nag-opisina and nag-overtime, nagalantaw sang aton sitwasyon sa mga kabanwahan,” she said.
As of Morbidity Week 28, covering January 1 to July 12, 2025, Iloilo Province has logged 72 leptospirosis cases — a six percent increase from last year’s 68 cases during the same period.
However, deaths have gone down, with only one fatality this year compared to three in 2024.
To reduce the risk of leptospirosis infection, the IPHO and the Department of Health advise the public to:
* Avoid contact with floodwaters.
* Wear protective gear such as boots and gloves if exposure is unavoidable.
* Wash thoroughly with soap and clean water after contact.
s* Maintain cleanliness at home to prevent rat infestation.
* Dispose of garbage properly and ensure access to safe drinking water.
Dr. Quiñon also urged those who waded through floodwaters or worked in muddy fields to consult the nearest health center.
“Kon kamo nag-ubog sa tubig baha, palihog kadto sa inyo nearest primary care facilities para makakuha sang prophylaxis, she said, emphasizing the importance of early treatment, especially for individuals with open wounds./PN
