The province of Cebu is facing a significant health crisis as health authorities confirmed 106 suspected leptospirosis cases with seven confirmed deaths following the aftermath of Typhoon Tino.
Alarming Case Distribution Across Municipalities
According to records from the Cebu Provincial Health Office (PHO) covering November 1-20, 2025, Danao City reported the highest number of cases with 34 infections including two fatalities. Balamban followed closely with 28 cases and four deaths, causing both municipalities to experience patient overcrowding in major hospitals.
Other affected areas include Asturias with nine cases, Talisay City with eight, Consolacion with eight, Liloan with five, Compostela with three, Pinamungajan with three, Tuburan with two cases including one death, Toledo City with two, and single cases reported in Argao, Medellin, Sibonga, and San Francisco.
Dramatic Increase Compared to Previous Year
Dr. Josephine Arcenal, head of CPHO, emphasized the severity of the situation during a November 21, 2025 briefing. "Yes, it's very high. We didn't even reach 50 cases in 2024 from January 1 to October 31—we only had 90 confirmed cases with 11 deaths," Dr. Arcenal stated.
She highlighted the stark contrast with current statistics: "Compare that to the 10 months of this year alone, January to October, and then November alone has 117 cases because the 11 haven't been entered for confirmatory testing yet."
Floodwaters Blamed for Rapid Spread
Health officials attribute the spike in leptospirosis cases to widespread flooding in high-risk areas. "Many populations were affected by these floods," Dr. Arcenal explained, noting that the current data was "expected" given the extensive flooding experienced throughout the province.
The PHO has indicated that due to the rising cases, local government units might declare an outbreak, though they recommend that such declaration should properly come from the Department of Health (DOH).
In response to the crisis, the Cebu provincial government continues to distribute medications to various municipalities. Health authorities strongly encourage individuals experiencing leptospirosis symptoms to seek immediate medical attention at nearest healthcare facilities for proper treatment.
Dr. Arcenal also urged the public not to delay treatment or fear taking medication, emphasizing that leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure or death if left untreated.
