‘STAY OUT OF FLOODWATERS’: Iloilo health office warns of deadly leptospirosis spike

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office is urging residents to remain vigilant against leptospirosis amid continuous rains and widespread flooding.

Severe weather conditions across the Philippines frequently trigger flooding that significantly elevates the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks.

The provincial health office issued a public advisory on July 12 regarding the severe health risks associated with waterlogged environments.

Officials warned that floodwaters, rivers and rice fields may be heavily contaminated with the urine of infected rats and other animals.

This contaminated water serves as the primary transmission vector for leptospirosis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection.

The health office reminded the public to strictly observe basic preventive measures to avoid life-threatening infections.

Residents must actively avoid wading through or swimming in stagnant floodwaters whenever possible.

Individuals should wear protective footwear, such as rubber boots, if exposure to contaminated water is completely unavoidable.

The health office advised residents to thoroughly wash exposed skin with soap and clean water immediately after any contact with floodwaters.

Health officials also instructed anyone exposed to floodwaters to proactively seek consultation at the nearest health center.

Medical professionals can carefully assess exposed individuals to determine if they require prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection.

Authorities strongly emphasized that residents must not ignore potential symptoms that emerge following water exposure.

“If you experience fever, headache, body pains, red eyes, or other symptoms after being exposed to floodwaters, consult your nearest health center immediately,” the PHO said.

Provincial surveillance data revealed that Iloilo recorded 62 leptospirosis cases as of the 25th morbidity week.

This recent reporting period covers health data collected from Jan. 4 through June 27.

These recent bacterial infections have already resulted in seven fatalities across the province.

This current infection figure represents a 7% increase compared to the 58 cases logged during the exact same period in 2025.

The disease also proved less fatal last year, with only two deaths recorded during that specific timeframe.

Leptospirosis is typically transmitted through direct physical contact with water, soil or mud contaminated by the urine of infected animals.

The incubation period for the dangerous disease usually ranges from two days to four weeks after initial exposure.

The bacteria can easily enter the human body through minor cuts, abrasions or open wounds on the skin.

Infection can also rapidly occur if contaminated water enters a person’s eyes, nose or mouth.

Untreated leptospirosis can quickly progress to Weil’s disease, a severe phase that causes irreversible organ dysfunction.

Serious complications from the disease include kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis and potentially fatal respiratory distress.

The provincial health office stressed that early medical diagnosis and rapid antibiotic treatment remain crucial to preventing severe complications and death.