Cebu records 117 leptospirosis cases

The Cebu Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported on Sunday that leptospirosis cases in the province have risen to 117.

PHO officer-in-charge Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal said 106 of these cases were officially confirmed, while 11 patients remain hospitalized pending laboratory validation.

According to PHO data, there have been seven deaths from 1 to 20 November 2025. Health officials noted that the increase was expected, as new infections are emerging within the typical incubation period following widespread flooding.

Public and private hospitals across Cebu have been placed on high alert in anticipation of a possible influx of patients exhibiting leptospirosis symptoms.

At least 23 cases were traced primarily to Talisay City and Consolacion.

Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, which are commonly found in the urine of infected animals, including rats, dogs and cows. According to the Department of Health, symptoms typically appear five to 14 days after exposure, although the incubation period can range from two to 30 days.

As of 18 November, the Cebu Provincial Government has distributed over 10,000 prophylaxis capsules to affected communities.

“We’ve been really aggressive in providing prophylaxis capsules to our first responders and local government units,” Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, public health consultant at the Capitol, said.