ILOILO – As heavy rains and farming season roll in, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is warning residents, especially farmers and laborers, to remain vigilant against leptospirosis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection.
From January 1 to June 21, 2025, the province has recorded 56 cases of leptospirosis, including one death — a four percent increase compared to the same period last year, which had 54 cases and two fatalities.
“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,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, IPHO head.
Leptospirosis is transmitted through direct contact with water contaminated by urine of infected animals, especially rats. The bacteria can enter the body through skin cuts or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Early symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, headaches, jaundice, and gastrointestinal problems.
Quiñon advised those who have waded through floodwaters or worked in wet fields to immediately wash exposed skin with clean water and soap. She also urged them to visit their Rural Health Units (RHU) to determine if prophylactic medication is necessary.
“Magpanghugas gid sang tiil ukon body parts nga na-expose sa tubig baha gamit ang matinlu nga tubig kag habon,” she said.
The IPHO continues to emphasize cleanliness and sanitation in communities to prevent the presence of rats — known carriers of the leptospira bacteria.
Based on IPHO data, the municipalities with the highest number of leptospirosis cases are Badiangan (4), Pototan (4), Alimodian (3), Passi City (3), Dumangas (3), Janiuay (3), Lambunao (3), Leon (3), Oton (3), and Pavia (3).
Fifteen other municipalities have also reported cases, including Sara (3 cases with one death), Barotac Viejo (3), Calinog (2), Estancia (2), Leganes (2), Maasin (2), San Miguel (2), Santa Barbara (2), and others with one case each.
So far, 25 out of the province’s 43 towns and lone component city (Passi City) have reported leptospirosis infections in 2025./PN
