ILOILO – This province recorded a 46% decrease in leptospirosis cases in 2024 compared to the previous year.
According to data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), 208 cases with eight fatalities were reported from January 1 to December 31, 2024, a significant decline from the 385 cases in 2023.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with urine from infected animals or environments contaminated by it. The bacteria enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Early symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, redness of the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, IPHO head, attributed the decline in cases to the El Niño phenomenon, which resulted in less rainfall, reducing the likelihood of floodwaters where the bacteria thrive.
Additionally, heightened awareness among farmers and laborers led to more precautions, such as wearing protective gear and availing prophylactic treatment from health facilities.
Most cases in 2024 involved farmers and laborers exposed to floodwaters contaminated with rat urine, which carries the leptospira bacteria.
“Most of our cases this year, as in previous years, involve farmers who waded through floodwaters due to the nature of their work,” Quiñon explained.
The IPHO continues to remind the public to avoid wading in floodwaters, which may be contaminated. If unavoidable, individuals are advised to wear protective gear and wash their feet thoroughly with soap and clean water after exposure.
Quiñon also urged residents to maintain cleanliness inside and outside their homes, particularly in managing waste to prevent rodent infestations.
The municipalities with the highest leptospirosis cases in 2024 were:
* Janiuay – 21 cases (one death)
* Leon – 14 cases (one death)
* Oton – 13 cases
* Badiangan — 12 cases
* Tigbauan – 11 cases
* Alimodian – 10 cases
* Pototan – eight cases
* Lambunao – eight cases
* San Miguel – seven cases (one death)
* Santa Barbara – seven cases
The remaining 30 municipalities and Passi City recorded lower numbers, with only three municipalities—Batad, Bingawan, and San Rafael — reporting zero leptospirosis cases in 2024.
The 30, including Passi City, are: Cabatuan (six with one death), Estancia (six), Pavia (six), Miag-ao (five), Barotac Nuevo (four with one death), Barotac Viejo (four), Calinog (four), Guimbal (four),Igbaras (four), Lemery (four), Zarraga (four), Carles (three), Dueñas (three), Maasin (three), Mina (three), New Lucena (three), Passi City (three), San Enrique (three), Sara (three with one death), Balasan (three), Leganes (three), Ajuy (two), Anilao (two), Concepcion (two), Dingle (two), Dumangas (two), Tubungan (two), Banate (two), San Dioniso (one), and San Joaquin (one).
Proper disposal of waste and proactive health measures are emphasized as key strategies to sustain the declining trend of leptospirosis cases in the province./PN
