CEBU residents were warned against wading in floodwaters since the bacteria may cause skin disease and other ailments.
Floodwaters especially in urban areas are susceptible to bacteria, which may cause leptospirosis, said director Dr. Susana Madarieta of the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7).
She said those who got sick from wading in floodwaters should immediately seek help in health centers or undergo checkup in the hospitals.
Madarieta said exposure to rains should be minimized to avoid coughs, colds and fever.
The public should also watch out for areas that could be breeding places for dengue.
She urged communities to clean up possible breeding places for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
These include flower vases, dish drains, old tires, roof gutters and used cans.
Cover water receptacles and keep them clean, she said. Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya