ILOILO — Leptospirosis has claimed seven lives in Iloilo Province during the first six months of 2026 as health authorities recorded 62 infections, prompting renewed calls for the public to avoid contaminated floodwaters and seek immediate medical attention after possible exposure.
Data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) showed the province logged 62 cases and seven deaths from January to June 2026, seven percent higher than the 58 cases and two deaths recorded during the same period last year.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted through contact with water, soil or mud contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or through the eyes, nose and mouth.
Early symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, red eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, skin rashes and gastrointestinal complaints.
The fatalities were recorded two deaths in Dueñas town and one each in Dingle, Oton, Barotac Nuevo, Concepcion and San Dionisio.
The IPHO urged residents to avoid floodwaters and stagnant water whenever possible. Those whose work requires exposure should wear protective boots and gloves, wash thoroughly with soap and water after exposure and immediately consult health facilities.
The Department of Health also reminded the public not to self-medicate despite the availability of doxycycline, emphasizing that antibiotics should only be taken upon a physician’s advice.
“Huwag uminom ng antibiotic o anumang gamot nang walang reseta ng doctor (Avoid taking antibiotics or any form of medication without a valid prescription from a physician),” the DOH said.
Towns with the highest number of leptospirosis cases are Dingle (four cases with one death), Oton (four cases with one death), Balasan (three), Barotac Nuevo (three cases with one death), Dueñas (three cases with two deaths), Janiuay (three), Leganes (three), Pototan (three), Tigbauan (three), and Alimodian (two).
Twenty other municipalities reported cases: Lambunao (two), Lemery (two), Maasin (two), Mina (two), San Enrique (two), Santa Barbara (two), Sara (two), Tubungan (two), Zarraga (two), Banate (one), Barotac Viejo (one), Cabatuan (one), Calinog (one), Concepcion (one death), Dumangas (one), Leon (one), Miag-ao (one), New Lucena (one), Pavia (one), and San Dioniso (one death).
The component city of Passi reported two cases.
The age group most affected are 40 years old and above (21 cases), followed by those 20 to 29 years old (18 cases); 30 to 39 years old (17 cases), and 10 to 19 years old (five cases)./PN
