03/12/2025
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
The Bohol Provincial Health Office (PHO) is urgently calling on the public to seek early medical consultation as leptospirosis cases in Bohol climbed to 81, with 5 deaths from January 1 to November 22, 2025.
Based on the latest report, the province logged a 142.4 percent increase compared to last yearโs 33 cases and one death, with cases involving patients aged 4 to 67 years old.
Men made up 87.65 percent of cases, with the 31โ40 age group comprising the highest proportion at 17.28 percent.
Northern towns, including Trinidad, Talibon, Ubay, San Miguel, and Carmen, had the highest number of infections.
'Proactive response'
On her Facebook post, PHO Officer-in-Charge Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy appealed strongly to those exposed to floodwater during Tropical Storm Verbena to consult a doctor without delay.
โDaghan ang mga lugar karon nga nakasinati og baha tungod sa ulan nga dala sa bagyong Verbena,โ Uy said, urging residents to prioritize medical check-ups against leptospirosis.
She reminded the public that the disease can escalate quickly but is preventable and treatable if addressed early.
โAng pag-ubog sa tubig baha possibleng mahimong hinungdan para sa usa ka tawo nga matakboyan niining maong kagaw labi kung anaay mga samad o bisan unsang opening sa panit,โ she added, stressing the importance of prompt medical care.
PHO has also intensified information and education campaigns in affected communities and provided one box of doxycycline to individuals assessed to be at risk following flood exposure.
However, the office also warns not to take doxycycline without a prescription, warning that improper use reduces its effectiveness and should only be taken after a doctorโs assessment of floodwater exposure.
'Symptoms and prevention'
The Department of Health (DOH) warned that leptospirosis spreads during floods through Leptospira bacteria found in the urine of infected animals.
Furthermore, the department explained that contaminated soil or water can enter the body through the eyes, nose, mouth, open wounds, or contaminated food and water.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and calf tenderness, with severe cases showing diarrhea, jaundice, red eyes, or organ complications.
Health officials emphasized that fevers lasting more than two days should be treated as a signal to seek immediate medical attention.
Moreover, the DOH advised the public to avoid wading in floodwater and use protective boots or gloves when exposure cannot be avoided.
Residents were also urged to uphold sanitation practices, secure safe drinking water, and maintain clean surroundings to reduce risks.
The provincial government, led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, continues surveillance on leptospirosis, underscoring the need for stronger health preparedness aligned with the Strategic Change Agenda of Bohol, a UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/JSS)
