The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) recorded 10 deaths due to leptospirosis — an infection commonly transmitted to humans from water that has been contaminated by animal urine — in the first eight months of 2026.
The 10 reported deaths were from Dueñas (2), Dingle (2), Concepcion (1), San Dionisio (1), Zarraga (1), Barotac Nuevo (1), Oton (1), and Dumangas (1).
From January 1 to August 8, the province logged 84 leptospirosis cases, 16 percent lower than the 100 cases (including five deaths) reported in the same period a year ago.
Tigbauan accounted for the highest number of cases at 6, followed by Janiuay, Dumangas and Tubungan with five cases each.
Passi City, Dingle, Oton and Pototan registered four cases each, while Zarraga, Balasan, Barotac Nuevo, Dueñas, Leganes and Maasin recorded three cases each.
IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon said 32 of the total cases involved individuals who have farming-related occupations.
Among age groups, individuals aged 40 and above had the highest number of cases at 35, followed by 20-29 with 23 cases, 30-39 with 19 cases and 10-19 with six cases.
Quiñon advised those who had direct contact with possibly contaminated water or ground to take prophylaxis for leptospirosis.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever and chills, head and muscle aches, red eyes, vomiting, and jaundice or yellow skin and eyes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the symptoms usually become apparent 5 to 14 days after contact with the bacteria. They can, however, also appear anytime from two to 30 days.
If left untreated, leptospirosis may cause kidney failure, brain damage, massive internal bleeding, and death.IMT
