Leptospirosis cases in Cebu continue to rise

Local

THE Provincial Health Office (PHO) is urging Cebu residents to seek medical attention immediately if they suspect leptospirosis infection.

This as cases continue to surge with 117 suspected infections and seven deaths recorded as of Nov. 20.

PHO officer-in-charge Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal said the spike is alarming compared to previous months, noting that case numbers had not even reached 50 earlier in 2024.

“Mas taas karon. Wa gani kaabot og singkwenta for 2024,” said Arsenal.

She added that 11 of the 117 suspected infections are still undergoing clinical and field screening in Cebu hospitals, leaving 106 cases reflected in the official PHO report so far.

From November 1 to 20, Cebu recorded more suspected infections than the total confirmed cases logged from January to October last year.

Most of the recent cases came from Danao City with 34, followed by Balamban with 28.

Other areas with reported cases include Asturias, Talisay City, Liloan, Consolacion, Compostela, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, Argao, Medellin, San Francisco, and Sibonga.

All samples are being sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine for confirmatory testing.

Arsenal linked the spike to widespread flooding across Cebu earlier this month, saying the situation is expected given leptospirosis’ incubation period of up to three weeks.

She noted that only epidemiologists or the Department of Health can formally declare an outbreak, although local governments may issue their own declarations subject to DOH validation.

“Ang mo declare man gud is epidemiologist kay ilaha mani nga expertise ang outbreaks,” Arsenal said.

Hospitals across the province are now dealing with a heavy influx of patients showing symptoms.

Balamban District Hospital admitted 28 patients at the height of the surge, while Danao Provincial Hospital and several private hospitals have also reported significant case numbers.

The PHO has been distributing doxycycline for both prophylaxis and early treatment and has begun replenishing tetanus toxoid supplies for individuals who sustained wounds while wading through floodwaters.

Arsenal reminded residents who were exposed to floodwater to take doxycycline even without symptoms, warning that severe complications such as kidney failure and lung involvement can be fatal.

Meanwhile, the provincial government earlier directed all district and provincial hospitals to heighten monitoring and strengthen preparedness protocols following an initial rise in cases after Typhoon Tino.

Capitol Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan said hospitals had already been anticipating an uptick, citing the two- to 20-day incubation period of leptospirosis.

She noted that Balamban initially logged the most suspected patients, and that municipal health officers and provincial doctors underwent refresher briefings on updated diagnostic and referral procedures.

Catalan emphasized that infection can occur even without visible wounds, as bacteria can enter through small skin breaks or ingestion of contaminated water, prompting the continued alert status across provincial health facilities.(MyTVCebu)