Health authorities in Negros Occidental are responding to a significant rise in leptospirosis cases following recent devastating flashfloods, prompting the region’s apex medical facility to establish emergency specialized wards.
The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City has dedicated separate adult and pediatric wards solely for leptospirosis patients to manage the growing influx of referrals, particularly those coming from the southern parts of Negros Occidental.
According to a hospital advisory, the facility has experienced a sharp increase in admissions, including moderate to severe cases.
As of Sunday, November 23, 2025, CLMMRH was treating eight leptospirosis patients, a stark jump compared to the typical monthly admission rate of zero to two cases.
The spike is strongly linked to the widespread flooding caused by Typhoon Tino on November 4, which submerged several cities and municipalities in central and southern Negros.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease contracted through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, most commonly rats, entering the body through cuts or open wounds.
Local health officials are urging residents who may have waded or been exposed to floodwaters to seek immediate medical consultation.
They stress the importance of taking leptospirosis prophylaxis as soon as possible following potential exposure to prevent the disease from progressing to a severe stage.
The CLMMRH management assured the public and referring facilities of its commitment to providing high-quality care during the surge, but requested cooperation in observing proper patient coordination and transfer protocols to manage bed capacity effectively.