More than seven hundred students and their teachers were forced to stand on their chairs as floodwaters inundated their classrooms in Lapu-Lapu City following heavy rains on Monday, December 1, 2025. The incident has triggered a significant public health response due to the risk of leptospirosis infection.
Widespread Flooding Disrupts School Operations
A total of 717 students and 43 teachers from the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base Elementary School in Barangay Pajo were exposed to knee-deep floodwater. The downpour, which lasted for three hours, caused severe flooding within the school compound. Out of the school's 1,616 total enrollees, 34 out of 36 classrooms were affected by the rising waters.
The most severely impacted areas were the Grade 2 and Grade 3 classrooms located at the front of the school building, where water reached its highest levels. While classes in the flooded rooms were suspended, lessons continued in unaffected areas.
Immediate Health Monitoring and Leptospirosis Prophylaxis
The Department of Education (DepEd) Lapu-Lapu City Schools Division swiftly coordinated a health monitoring campaign for all exposed individuals. Assistant Superintendent Ronaldo Ferrer stated that the City Health Office (CHO) is prepared to provide prophylactic treatment for any suspected early cases, particularly for children with open wounds or cuts.
School nurses have been instructed to conduct visits and enhance their monitoring of the students' health. The division is also providing materials and guidance for a leptospirosis awareness drive to educate the school community.
City-Wide Health Alert and Available Treatment
Lynart Omnes, the administrator of the Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, revealed that free leptospirosis prophylaxis is being offered at the hospital and local health centers. For children aged eight and below, the appropriate medications are azithromycin or amoxicillin, with the type and duration of prophylaxis depending on the level of exposure.
Omnes explained that any child exposed to contaminated floodwater is at risk, as the leptospira bacteria can enter the body through mucous membranes, wounds, or even the mouth. Parents were urged to seek immediate medical attention if their children show any symptoms.
The urgency of the warning is underscored by local data: from January 1 to November 24, Lapu-Lapu City has recorded 28 confirmed leptospirosis cases, resulting in six deaths. Cases have been reported from 15 barangays, including Pajo. In November alone, seven cases were recorded, with five patients discharged and two succumbing to severe infection.
Health officials emphasized that leptospirosis is a year-round threat, especially in densely populated areas with sanitation challenges, making post-flood vigilance critical.
