INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
ILOILO CITY — Despite a drop in reported leptospirosis cases this year, authorities in Iloilo remain vigilant against the disease which is mostly tied to farmers, laborers, and individuals working in flood-prone areas.
With the rainy season approaching, health officials warned that without proper preventive measures, the numbers could increase once again.
Last March 7, a 30-year-old farmer from Sara town, Iloilo became the province’s first fatality from the disease in 2025, raising fresh concerns over exposure risks for agricultural workers.
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The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) confirmed that the farmer died from complications related to leptospirosis while being treated at a district hospital.
Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the PHO’s health service delivery division, said authorities were still investigating where and how the victim contracted the infection, given the high-risk nature of his occupation.
“Our disease surveillance officers are still conducting further investigations to determine the details surrounding the patient’s death and whether the exposure came from farming or other activities,” Labis said in a statement on March 20.
From January 1 to March 15, Iloilo recorded 25 leptospirosis cases across 16 municipalities, marking a 24-percent drop from last year’s 33 cases during the same period.
Labis noted that based on the data, the most affected age group is 30 years and above, with the majority being farmers and laborers, who are primarily exposed to agriculture.
Municipalities with the highest case counts are Dumangas (3 cases), San Miguel (2), Pototan (2), Maasin (2), Badiangan (2), Alimodian (2), Estancia (2), and Passi City (2).
Oton, Pavia, Leganes, Janiuay, Leon, Batad, Lambunao, and Sara each reported one case.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected rodents.
The bacteria enter the body through cuts, wounds, or mucous membranes, making floodwaters, rice paddies, irrigation canals, and stagnant water sources key transmission points.
Symptoms usually appear two to 30 days after exposure, with early signs such as fever, chills, muscle pain, and headaches.
Severe cases can lead to jaundice, kidney, and liver failure, and even death.
Warning signs of advanced infection include yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark or reduced urine output, and difficulty urinating, which indicate potential organ damage.
To reduce the risk of infection, the PHO advises residents—especially farmers and those working in flood-prone areas—to avoid wading through floodwaters, rice fields, and contaminated water sources; and wearing protective gear such as boots and gloves when working in high-risk areas.
It also encouraged people to wash hands and exposed body parts thoroughly with soap and clean water after possible exposure and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
The PHO also offers free prophylactic medication at local health centers.
Residents who believe they may have been exposed are encouraged to consult Barangay Health Workers or Rural Health Units for guidance.