CEBU health authorities reported 117 suspected leptospirosis cases following the severe flooding caused by Typhoon Tino, with seven deaths recorded from November 1 to 20.
Residents are urged to seek medical care immediately if they show any symptoms.
Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), confirmed on Friday, November 21, that 106 of the cases have been officially verified, while 11 remain under hospital evaluation pending clinical and field screening.
“Mas taas karon. Wa gani kaabot og singkwenta for 2024,” Arsenal said, highlighting that the current surge far exceeds earlier months.
Health officials linked the spike to widespread flooding, which likely exposed many residents to contaminated waters. Danao City recorded the highest number of suspected cases at 34, followed by Balamban with 28.
Other affected areas include Asturias, Talisay City, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, Argao, Medellin, San Francisco, and Sibonga.
The province is sending all samples to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for confirmatory testing.
Arsenal emphasized that only epidemiologists or the Department of Health can officially declare an outbreak.
“Ang mo-declare man gud is an epidemiologist kay ilaha man’i nga expertise ang outbreaks,” she said.
Hospitals across Cebu have raised alert levels to handle the influx of patients showing leptospirosis symptoms. Balamban District Hospital admitted 28 patients at the peak of the surge, while Danao Provincial Hospital and private hospitals reported similar increases.
The PHO expects infections to rise over the next few days because leptospirosis has an incubation period of up to three weeks.
Health authorities have been distributing doxycycline for both early treatment and prophylaxis.
They are also replenishing tetanus toxoid vaccines for residents who suffered cuts or wounds while navigating floodwaters.
Arsenal urged residents to take doxycycline even before symptoms appear to prevent serious complications, including kidney failure or lung involvement.
A 59-year-old e-trike driver from Sitio Poso, Barangay Poblacion, Cordova, remains in critical condition after testing positive for leptospirosis on November 19.
Meanwhile, in Talisay City, a father from Cansojong died on November 16 after several days of fever, vomiting, and red eyes—symptoms indicative of leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis spreads through bacteria found in the urine of infected animals, including rats, dogs, and cows.
Floodwaters can harbor the bacteria for weeks or months, which can enter the body through cuts, the eyes, or mucous membranes.
Symptoms typically appear within 5 to 14 days but can range from 2 to 30 days. Severe infections may cause organ failure if left untreated.
Health authorities continue to remind residents to monitor for high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and red eyes, and to seek care immediately if these symptoms appear.
