The Province of Cebu has reported a significant increase in leptospirosis cases following recent flooding incidents across the region. Health authorities have confirmed multiple infections and are urging residents to take preventive measures against this potentially fatal disease.
Confirmed Cases and Affected Areas
According to Dr. Josephine Arsenal, head of the Cebu Provincial Health Office (CPHO), 23 confirmed leptospirosis cases were recorded between November 1 and November 14, 2025. These cases have undergone confirmatory testing by the Department of Health (DOH), with most patients requiring hospital treatment.
The data reveals that Talisay City has the highest number of infections with eight confirmed cases, followed by Consolacion City with six cases. Asturias and Liloan each reported two cases, while single confirmed infections were documented in Argao and Balamban.
Suspected Cases Under Monitoring
Beyond the confirmed infections, health officials are monitoring several suspected leptospirosis cases. From November 1-17, 18 suspected cases were reported in Balamban, six in Bogo City, and one each in Tuburan, Talisay, and Liloan.
Dr. Arsenal explained that these suspected cases involve patients showing symptoms consistent with leptospirosis but awaiting final confirmation through laboratory tests sent to Manila. The results are expected to be returned to Cebu once processing is complete.
Health Risks and Prevention Measures
Leptospirosis presents serious health risks that should not be taken lightly. This disease can be fatal if not treated promptly, warned Dr. Arsenal. The recent flooding in Cebu has created ideal conditions for the disease to spread, as many victims have waded through contaminated water from various sources that may carry the bacteria.
The doctor clarified that the bacteria, which originates from animal urine, can enter the body not only through open wounds but can also penetrate the skin directly. This makes anyone who has contacted floodwaters potentially vulnerable to infection.
Health authorities strongly recommend that residents who have walked through floodwaters or are experiencing symptoms including fever, body pain, headache, abdominal pain, yellowing skin, red eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea should immediately visit the nearest healthcare facility and request a prescription for doxycycline.
The provincial government continues to distribute anti-leptospirosis medications across affected communities to combat the outbreak and protect public health.
