Health officials are on high alert as leptospirosis cases in Cebu climb with the rains. The Department of Health (DOH) warns that a single step into contaminated floodwater could mean days in the hospital or worse. With the habagat season far from over, the race is on to keep this silent killer at bay.
The warning is not without cause. Nationwide, from June 8 to August 14, 2025, the DOH recorded 3,752 leptospirosis cases, a sharp rise compared to previous years. At the peak in early August, hospitals were admitting nearly 200 patients a day, with major facilities like the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and East Avenue Medical Center operating at 300 – 400% over capacity.
The culprit: floodwaters contaminated with rat urine, carrying the Leptospira bacteria. Even a small cut on the skin can be an open door for infection.
The Disease in Brief
Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, often found in water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, most commonly rats. Symptoms can include high fever, severe muscle pain, headache, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, meningitis, respiratory distress, and even death. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 30 days, with symptoms often appearing 1-2 weeks after exposure.
The Cebu Situation
In Central Visayas, DOH Region 7 logged 141 cases from January to August 2025, with 37 cases in Cebu Province alone, nearly matching the total for all of 2024. Most patients come from urban, flood-prone areas such as Cebu City and Mandaue City.
The youngest patient this year is just one year old; the oldest is 55. While Cebu has so far avoided fatalities, health officials warn that the risk remains high, especially with more rain expected.
Recent weeks saw successive floods in parts of Metro Cebu, from downtown Colon to low-lying barangays in Mandaue and Talisay. In these areas, wading through floodwater is often unavoidable, whether to get to work, school, or buy food.
To address the surge, the DOH has opened Leptospirosis Fast Lanes in 19 government hospitals nationwide, including Cebu South Medical Center. These dedicated areas speed up consultations, lab tests, and treatment, which are crucial in a disease where early antibiotic intervention can save lives.
The province has also opened Sugbo Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services centers in Barangay Capitol Site and Barangay Lahug, offering immediate care and no-balance-billing for PhilHealth members.
How to Prevent
To prevent leptospirosis, avoid wading in floodwaters whenever possible, as these may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. If exposure is unavoidable, wear protective rubber boots to reduce skin contact. After any contact with floodwater, wash thoroughly with soap and clean water to remove potential contaminants. Seek medical consultation immediately after exposure. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, and if a doctor prescribes antibiotics as prophylaxis, be sure to complete the full course for maximum protection.
Leptospirosis is not new to the Philippines, but climate change, urban flooding, and inadequate drainage systems have made outbreaks more frequent and severe. In densely populated areas, the mix of poor sanitation and heavy rains is a perfect storm.
The fight against leptospirosis is as much about infrastructure and education as it is about medicine. Until floodwaters stop being a seasonal norm, the bacteria will remain a hidden predator in our streets.
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