The city health office issued a warning on Wednesday, advising the public to seek immediate medical consultation if they come into contact with stagnant, dirty, or flood waters to prevent the risk of leptospirosis.
In a media interview, Dr. Jan Reygine Ansino-Hortinela of the City Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit emphasized the urgency of early intervention, stating that it may be too late to reverse any organ damage once a person is infected with leptospirosis. “As of July 15, 2025, we have a total of 23 suspected cases of leptospirosis in Iloilo City, with three reported deaths. In the same period last year, the city had 22 cases and two deaths,” she reported.
Hortinela noted that the public can access free consultation and prophylaxis at district health centers during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. She cautioned that even individuals without visible wounds are at risk, as leptospira, the bacteria that causes leptospirosis, can penetrate any area of the body with mucous membranes, potentially affecting the liver, brain, and kidneys, leading to serious organ damage.
Symptoms of leptospirosis typically begin with common flu-like signs, including fever and muscle aches, with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) being a prominent indicator.
Hortinela highlighted that prevention measures for leptospirosis are similar to those for vector-borne diseases. These include continuous surveillance, free medical consultations and medications, and public education on the importance of prevention and health-seeking behavior to avoid worsening the disease.
She also stressed the importance of maintaining clean surroundings to eliminate habitats where mosquitoes and rats can thrive, further reducing the risk of leptospirosis and other related diseases.