Leptospirosis Cases Surge in Cebu Amid Post-Flood Health Concerns

A significant increase in leptospirosis cases has been reported across Cebu Province following recent flooding, raising alarms over potential public health risks in the aftermath of natural disasters. Between November 1 and 14, 2025, the Cebu Provincial Health Office (CPHO) confirmed 23 new leptospirosis infections — a sharp rise compared to previous months, according to data validated by the Department of Health (DOH) Region 7.

The infections were primarily concentrated in several key areas, including Talisay City with eight cases, Consolacion with six, and Asturias and Liloan accounting for two each. Additionally, towns such as Argao, Balamban, Danao City, Medellin, and Sibonga each reported a single confirmed case. Authorities are also closely monitoring multiple suspected cases and one possible fatality in Balamban and Bogo City that remain under investigation.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through water contaminated by animal urine—commonly rats—is endemic in regions with poor sanitation. Flooding exacerbates this risk by dispersing contaminated water across communities. Dr. Josephine Arsenal, Head of the CPHO, pointed out the concerning surge: "The 23 confirmed cases in just two weeks represent nearly 25 percent of all leptospirosis cases recorded during the entire previous ten months." She also reminded the public about the disease’s severity, noting that 11 deaths were recorded from January to October 2025 alone.

Public health officials emphasize that the increased exposure to floodwaters during cleanup efforts put residents at heightened risk. Dr. Arsenal underlined, "Infection can occur even without visible wounds, so anyone who has come into contact with flood or dirty water should be vigilant and proactive in seeking treatment."

Health Consultant Nicole Catalan warned about the potential strain this outbreak places on healthcare infrastructure, particularly relating to dialysis services needed for severe leptospirosis cases. "We face another public health challenge where treatment resources such as hemodialysis equipment may become overwhelmed," she stated.

To combat the outbreak, the provincial government has launched a preventive campaign distributing doxycycline, an antibiotic effective against leptospirosis if administered promptly. Approximately 10,000 tablets have been disseminated to local government units, rural health centers, and hospitals in areas heavily affected by flooding.

Dr. Arsenal stressed the importance of medication adherence, recalling a suspected fatality linked to failure to take the prophylaxis: "We should not delay. Prophylactic treatment is critical and must not be ignored."

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Christina Tan Bonghanoy explained the medication’s role, noting, "Doxycycline is commonly used for infections including leptospirosis. It is most effective when taken within 24 to 72 hours after exposure to contaminated water."

Plans are underway to deliver an additional 40,000 doxycycline tablets to municipalities throughout Cebu as authorities anticipate continued case increases during ongoing community recovery efforts.

This surge highlights the need for an integrated disaster response that couples immediate physical relief with robust public health measures. Experts advocate for enhanced rodent control, improved sanitation, and continuous training for municipal health workers to mitigate risks in future flood events.

As Cebu navigates this secondary health crisis, officials continue to monitor cases closely and allocate resources to manage severe patients. The unfolding situation underscores the complex challenges posed by natural disasters, where environmental impacts rapidly translate into public health emergencies requiring swift, coordinated intervention.