Agriculture-related exposure leads Iloilo leptospirosis cases

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Agriculture-related exposure accounted for the largest share of leptospirosis cases in Iloilo province, with 30 of the 81 cases recorded from Jan. 4 to Aug. 1 this year.

Data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) showed that the total was 16 percent lower than the 96 cases recorded during the same period in 2025, including one death.

The latest tally included 10 deaths.

Flood-related exposure accounted for 17 cases, while 18 were classified under other exposures.

Fourteen cases had unknown exposure, and two were associated with mud exposure.

The PESU also recorded five new cases during the 30th morbidity week, covering July 26 to Aug. 1.

Among the 32 municipalities with recorded cases, Tigbauan had the highest number of cases at six, followed by Janiuay and Tubungan with five each.

Dingle, Dumangas, and Oton recorded four cases each, while Balasan, Barotac Nuevo, Passi City, Dueñas, Leganes, Maasin, Pototan, and Zarraga each recorded three cases.

Dueñas and Dingle recorded two deaths each, while Dumangas, Oton, Barotac Nuevo, Zarraga, San Dionisio, and Concepcion recorded one death each.

People ages 40 and older accounted for the largest number of cases at 33, followed by those ages 20-29 with 23 and those ages 30-39 with 18.

Six cases involved people ages 10-19, while no cases were recorded among those ages 9 and younger.

Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, which are commonly carried by infected animals, particularly rodents.

People can become infected when water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals comes into contact with cuts or abrasions or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Agricultural activities and flooding are among situations associated with leptospirosis because they can increase contact with contaminated soil and water.

The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) lists fever, chills, headache, body pain, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin or eyes among possible symptoms.

With continued rain and possible flooding, health authorities advise the public to avoid wading through floodwater when possible and use protective footwear when exposure cannot be avoided.

Wounds should be covered with waterproof dressings, while exposed body parts should be washed thoroughly with clean water.

The DOH also cautions against self-medicating with doxycycline because the need for post-exposure antibiotics depends on a person’s risk and level of exposure.

Doxycycline may be used for leptospirosis treatment and, in specific circumstances, for post-exposure prevention, but its use should be determined by a health care professional.

People exposed to potentially contaminated floodwater are advised to seek medical assessment, particularly if symptoms develop, rather than taking antibiotics without a prescription.