ILOILO – Leptospirosis deaths in Iloilo Province have surged by more than 60 percent this year despite a slight decline in infections, prompting hospitals across Western Visayas to establish dedicated “fast lanes” as persistent rains heighten the risk of exposure to contaminated floodwaters.
Data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) showed 13 people died from leptospirosis among 121 cases recorded from Jan. 4 to Sept. 5, 2026.
During the same period last year, the province logged 125 cases and eight deaths.
While infections declined by three percent, fatalities jumped by 62.5 percent, underscoring the potentially deadly consequences of delayed diagnosis and treatment.
The Department of Health (DOH) 6 said all government hospitals, including those operated by local government units, as well as private hospitals in Western Visayas have been directed to establish fast lanes specifically for patients suspected of having leptospirosis.
Dr. Mary Pauline Gestosani, officer-in-charge assistant regional director of DOH-6, said Health Secretary Edwin Mercado issued the advisory to ensure patients receive timely medical attention.
“May leptospirosis fast lanes gid kita sa aton mga hospitals, particular sa aton DOH-hospitals and of course sa aton mga local government unit-run hospitals and private hospitals. So, may gin-issue gid na nga advisory,” Gestosani said.
Under the system, people seeking medical attention after suspected exposure to leptospirosis no longer have to join the regular queue at hospital outpatient departments.
Patients may proceed directly to the designated leptospirosis fast lane by looking for the appropriate signage or asking the hospital’s front desk for assistance.
The measure comes amid frequent rains brought by the southwest monsoon, which increase the likelihood of flooding and human exposure to water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
DOH-6 has also ensured the availability of doxycycline at Rural Health Units (RHUs). The agency distributed supplies to local governments through city and provincial health offices earlier this year for distribution to RHUs.
Gestosani said residents, particularly farmers and laborers with a history of wading through floodwaters or stagnant water, may obtain the medicine free from RHUs.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with water, soil or other environments contaminated by infected urine. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or abrasions in the skin or through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth.
Early symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, red eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, skin rashes and gastrointestinal symptoms.
The DOH has activated similar fast lanes elsewhere in the country following widespread flooding caused by weeks of monsoon rains. Thirty-three government hospitals in Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region have established express lanes for suspected leptospirosis cases.
Health authorities are also implementing surge-capacity measures to ensure hospitals have adequate beds and medicines for patients requiring admission.
FARMERS MOST EXPOSED
IPHO data showed that agriculture-related exposure accounted for the largest number of leptospirosis infections in Iloilo Province with 39 cases, followed by flood-related exposure with 34, other circumstances with 23, unknown exposure with 20, and mud exposure with three.
People aged 40 and older were the most affected with 55 cases, followed by those aged 20 to 29 with 25 cases, 30 to 39 with 23, 10 to 19 with 14, and children aged nine and below with four cases.
Dumangas recorded the highest number of infections among Iloilo localities with nine cases and one death, followed by Tigbauan with seven.
Oton recorded six cases and one death, while Santa Barbara had six cases.
Passi City recorded five cases; Dingle, five cases and two deaths; Janiuay, five; Pototan, five; Tubungan, five; and Zarraga, five cases and one death.
Other areas with fatalities included Dueñas with two deaths among four cases; Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo and Sara with one death each; and San Dionisio and San Joaquin with one death each.
Concepcion recorded one fatality.
Health authorities have warned residents against unnecessary exposure to floodwaters and urged those who may have been exposed to seek medical advice promptly, particularly as leptospirosis symptoms may not appear immediately after infection./PN
