The Department of Health (DoH) in Central Visayas has recorded 141 cases of leptospirosis in the region from January to August.

Dr. Neil Erasmo, the department’s assistant regional director, told reporters Thursday that the number of cases spiked in June with the start of the rainy season.

“Most of the times one can get this from the floods, especially here in Cebu when one has to wade in the floods which is the reason from them being infected,” Erasmo said.

Most of the patients are from urban areas with frequent flooding, such as Mandaue and Cebu cities.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through contact with water contaminated by the urine of infected animals. Symptoms can include high fever, headache, muscle aches and chills. The disease can be fatal if left untreated.

Erasmo urged people who have been exposed to floodwaters to seek medical attention at the nearest healthcare center.