FROM JAN-AUG. 5 Central Visayas records 141 Leptospirosis cases - DOH7

Central Visayas has recorded a total of 141 leptospirosis cases from January to August 5, 2025, including a one-year-old patient, prompting the Department of Health-Region 7 (DOH-7) to call for heightened “public vigilance.”

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DOH-7 Assistant Regional Director Jonathan Neil Erasmo said the region has seen a “relatively high” number of leptospirosis cases, albeit with no recorded deaths so far. “Medyo taas-taas siya sa atong nakita na cases compared to the previous months of the year,” he said.

Erasmo noted that the uptick began during the rainy month of July — a period when floodwaters are more prevalent, especially in urban areas.

The majority of infections were linked to floodwater exposure, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone communities in Metro Cebu and other provinces like Bohol.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by “leptospira” bacteria, commonly transmitted through the urine of infected animals, especially rats.