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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Uptick in 'lepto' cases in Negros Occidental cited

Uptick in 'lepto' cases in Negros Occidental cited

Published Nov 27, 2025 06:22 pm
AN upsurge in leptospirosis cases has been observed in Negros Occidental following the widespread flooding caused by typhoon 'Tino.'
AN upsurge in leptospirosis cases has been observed in Negros Occidental following the widespread flooding caused by typhoon 'Tino.'
BACOLOD CITY – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) announced an upsurge in leptospirosis cases, with four suspected leptospirosis-related deaths and 90 suspected cases across Negros Occidental, following the widespread flooding caused by typhoon “Tino.”
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan said in a Monday media interview that suspected fatalities include senior citizens as well as some patients in their 20s.
All 90 patients are currently hospitalized and most cases came from the fourth and fifth districts, which were among the hardest hit by the storm earlier this month, she added.
Pinongan noted that 72 of the cases involved individuals who had exposure to floodwaters.
She emphasized, however, that the current situation is not considered an outbreak but an upsurge in suspected leptospirosis cases compared to last year.
Complete reporting was delayed because only a few local government units (LGUs) have submitted full data, while others rely on hospital admissions.
Local governments and hospitals have reported suspected cases, many of who already show clinical symptoms of leptospirosis, though confirmatory testing is still limited.
Pinongan urged anyone exposed to floodwaters to immediately seek medical care if they develop fever, chills, body pain, or muscle aches.
She explained that since Tino struck on Nov. 4 and with leptospirosis’ incubation period ranging from five to 14 days, the rise in cases around the 13th day is expected.
“Earlier we had no cases, but now that we are within the incubation period, they are starting to appear,” she said.
She stressed that only the Department of Health (DOH) can declare an outbreak, which requires laboratory-confirmed cases.
“We’re seeing an upsurge compared to last year, but we cannot declare an outbreak without laboratory confirmation,” Pinongan said, adding that only the DOH can make a declaration.
Dr. Razel Nikka Hao, DOH-Negros Island Region (NIR) director, said they have been anticipating an increase in leptospirosis cases after flooding activities.
“There’s a specific threshold to declare an outbreak and there are many ways to go about it, but we are seeing these cases,” Hao added.

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Leptospirosis Negros Occidental
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