LEPTO ALERT: Hospitals swamped as post-Tino flood triggers deadly surge in Negros

ILOILO CITY — Negros Occidental health authorities are raising the alarm as leptospirosis cases spike sharply in the wake of the flash floods unleashed by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), with hospitals now scrambling to contain what they warn could turn deadlier in the coming days.

The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), the apex hospital of the Negros Island Region, reported 22 admissions as of late 23 November —almost triple the number recorded just days earlier. A child has already died.

Most of the cases from the18 patients are from southern Negros, with ages ranging from 8 to 66, painting a grim cross-section of communities hit hardest by the storm-swollen waters.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) is urging residents who waded through murky, contaminated floodwaters to treat every fever, muscle ache, and sudden illness as a possible emergency.

“Leptospirosis complications can be fatal. If you were exposed or are feeling symptoms, call 1555, press 2. Don’t wait,” the PHO stressed, amplifying the Department of Health’s warning.

CLMMRH’s numbers reveal a startling trend: from zero to two cases a month earlier this year, the hospital logged 13 cases in October, then 26 cases in just the first 22 days of November—a surge doctors say mirrors the severity of Tino’s floods.

The hospital has activated dedicated adult and pediatric leptospirosis wards and is prioritizing moderate to severe cases as referrals continue to rise from southern Negros.

In Isabela town, the Ignacio L. Arroyo Sr. Memorial District Hospital is likewise raising a red flag, urging anyone who waded through floodwaters to immediately seek prophylaxis at their local rural health units.

“For the past few days or weeks, we’ve seen an increase in suspected leptospirosis cases. We want to protect the community before this escalates,” hospital chief Dr. Gabby Palacios said.