CEBU CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas has recorded a staggering more than 700 leptospirosis cases from November 1 to December 12, 2025, a sharp surge linked to widespread flooding from recent typhoons that contaminated water sources with animal urine carrying the bacteria. The alarming tally, disclosed on Friday, includes 15 deaths, with Cebu province bearing the heaviest burden at over 400 cases, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to waterborne diseases in the wake of natural disasters.
DOH-7 Regional Director Jaime Bernadas attributed the outbreak to prolonged exposure to floodwaters, where the Leptospira bacteria thrives in soil and water tainted by rat urine or livestock waste. “The recent typhoons brought heavy rains and flooding, creating ideal conditions for leptospirosis transmission,” Bernadas stated, urging immediate medical attention for symptoms like high fever, headache, muscle pain, jaundice, and red eyes. “Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial—delays can lead to severe complications like kidney failure or meningitis.”
The surge follows Typhoon Uwan’s devastation in late November, which inundated low-lying areas in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, displacing thousands and leaving stagnant waters ripe for bacterial proliferation. Cebu City alone logged over 200 cases, with rural municipalities like Bogo and Daanbantayan reporting clusters tied to wading in contaminated floods during cleanup or farming.
Prevention Push: ‘One Health’ Approach Intensified
DOH-7 has ramped up its “One Health” campaign, collaborating with agriculture and environment agencies to promote:
- Wearing protective boots and gloves in flood-prone areas.
- Avoiding wading in murky waters.
- Rodent control and proper waste disposal.
- Immediate wound cleaning and antibiotic prophylaxis for high-risk exposure.
Free doxycycline prophylaxis is available at rural health units for flood-exposed individuals, while hospitals are on alert for rapid testing and treatment. Bernadas stressed community vigilance: “Leptospirosis is preventable—wash thoroughly after contact with floodwater and seek help at the first sign of fever.”
This outbreak echoes post-typhoon spikes in previous years, but 2025’s numbers are among the highest, straining local health resources amid the holiday season. For Central Visayas residents still mopping up from Uwan, the warning is clear: In the aftermath of floods, the real danger often lurks unseen—until it’s too late.
Case Snapshot (Nov 1–Dec 12, 2025):
| Metric | Central Visayas Total |
|---|---|
| Cases | >700 |
| Deaths | 15 |
| Hardest Hit | Cebu (>400 cases) |