The City Health Services Office (CHSO) has reported one confirmed death due to leptospirosis in the city even as the number of cases decreased by 39 percent this year.
Because of this, the City Health Services Office (CHSO) led by City Health Officer Celia Flor Brillantes continues to urge residents particularly those exposed to outdoor and labor-intensive work to take precautions during the rainy season.
The CHSO City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) under Medical Officer IV Donnabel Panes said the deceased was a male farmer who succumbed to the disease on June 14, 2026 based on positive laboratory results.
The CESU said there are three other recorded deaths — two suspected cases, a construction worker and a delivery rider, who also died in June and had negative laboratory results and another one, a student who died this month, with still pending results.
Based on the CESU records prepared by Medical Technologist II Ruby Magsino, there were 14 leptospirosis cases in the city from January 1 to August 15, 2026, which is 39 percent lower compared with 23 cases during the same period last year.
Of the number, 13 or 93 percent of the 14 cases were males. Patients’ ages ranged from 24 to 71.
Analysis showed people whose work involves exposure to contaminated water or soil may be at higher risk of contracting the disease. These include farmers, construction workers, delivery riders, painters, animal caretakers, welders and other outdoor or mobile workers.
Cases have been reported in several barangays, including Irisan, Camp 7, Bakakeng Central, Phil-am Compound, Quirino-Magsaysay, Middle Quezon Hill, Outlook Drive, Happy Hollow, City Camp Proper and Kias.
City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said that with the continued rains, residents are reminded to avoid wading or working in potentially contaminated floodwater and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of leptospirosis develop after exposure to floodwater or contaminated soil.
She said the city is strengthening preventive measures, including health education in barangays, rodent control, and the clearing of drainage systems in high-risk areas.
The city also plans to coordinate with delivery hubs and construction companies to promote the use of personal protective equipment and conduct workplace safety briefings.
Leptospirosis may be contracted through exposure to floodwater contaminated by the urine or feces of infected rodents, particularly when contaminated water enters cuts or wounds on the skin.
Brillantes said symptoms may include sudden fever lasting three to five days, severe headache and reddish eyes, which may progress to yellowing of the skin in severe cases.
“If you have a fever and history of wading, better have your consultation immediately,” she said. Brillantes also assured residents that the city has sufficient medicines for leptospirosis.** Aileen P. Refuerzo
