The Department of Health Ilocos Regional Office issued a fresh reminder to residents across the region to take precautionary measures against leptospirosis following recent heavy rainfall and flooding.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection contracted through contact with soil or floodwater contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, entering through open wounds or cuts.
Health officials strongly advise the public to avoid wading or swimming in floodwaters and to keep open cuts covered. For individuals who cannot avoid passing through flooded areas, Dr. Rheuel C. Bobis, officer-in-charge of the Local Health Support Division and head of the Regional Communicable Disease Cluster, recommends wearing protective gear like waterproof boots and washing affected areas thoroughly with clean water and soap immediately after exposure.
Bobis cautioned the public against self-medicating with antibiotics after exposure, emphasizing that proper medical evaluation is necessary before taking any medication.
“Doxycycline is a prescription medicine, and the need for post-exposure prophylaxis depends on the individual’s level and type of exposure. Kailangan munang magpatingin sa pinakamalapit na health center para sa proper assessment and medical advice,” Bobis said.
Data from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit shows 85 leptospirosis cases and six confirmed deaths recorded from Jan. 1 to Aug. 8, 2026. This reflects a 52 percent decrease compared to the 177 cases reported during the same period last year. Among the provinces, Pangasinan reported the highest number of cases at 46, followed by La Union with 13, Ilocos Norte with 12, Ilocos Sur with six, and Dagupan City with six.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, headache, muscle or calf pain, chills, vomiting, abdominal pain, red eyes, and jaundice, which may appear days or weeks after exposure. The regional health department urges anyone who has come into contact with floodwaters to monitor their condition, seek prompt medical attention if symptoms appear, and continue following official health advisories during periods of severe weather. NLMonitor
