‘UPSURGE, NOT OUTBREAK’: Negros reports 4 suspected leptospirosis deaths, 90 cases

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Four suspected leptospirosis-related deaths are under investigation in Negros Occidental, with 90 cases recorded following widespread flooding caused by Typhoon Tino, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan.

Initial reports indicated three deaths, while the Department of Health (DOH) previously confirmed only two.

“But the latest data we received, which is still under investigation, shows four suspected deaths, mostly coming from the 5th District,” Pinongan said.

She added that 72 of the 90 cases involved individuals previously exposed to floodwaters.

“We cannot report the exact number yet because only a few LGUs have submitted complete data. Some reports are coming from hospital admissions,” she said.

Suspected cases have been reported by local government units and hospitals, with many patients already exhibiting clinical symptoms of leptospirosis.

However, confirmatory testing remains limited.

“At CLMMRH, diagnostic capacity is limited. The DOH has the confirmatory laboratory tests, so for now we rely on clinical signs and symptoms to manage these cases even while they are still considered suspected,” Pinongan said.

All 90 suspected cases are currently hospitalized. The suspected fatalities include senior citizens aged 60 and above, though some are in their 20s.

Pinongan urged residents who were exposed to floodwaters to seek medical attention if they experience fever, chills, body pain, or muscle aches.

“Since the typhoon hit on November 4 and the incubation period is 5 to 14 days, we are now on the 13th day — that’s why cases are rising,” she explained.

“Earlier we had no cases, but now that we are within the incubation period, they are starting to appear.”

She stressed the importance of not waiting for symptoms to worsen and called on the public to help spread awareness.

“We are appealing, along with the DOH, to help disseminate information. Anyone showing signs and symptoms must go to the nearest health facility immediately so they can receive treatment,” she said.

Pinongan emphasized that the current situation is an upsurge, not an outbreak.

“We’re seeing an upsurge in cases compared to last year, but we cannot declare an outbreak without laboratory-confirmed cases. Only DOH can make that declaration,” she said.

With another typhoon approaching, the province remains on orange alert.

“Some LGUs have begun pre-emptive evacuations. Our council has also met on pre-emptive measures and prepositioning of resources,” she said.

Pinongan encouraged residents in flood-prone areas to move to evacuation centers early.

“Typhoon Tino was a lesson. Forecasts said the north would be hit, but the center and south were affected. So LGUs must be prepared. We don’t know yet how strong this next typhoon will be,” she said.