Leptospirosis claims more lives in Iloilo from Jan. to Aug. 2026

At least 10 people in Iloilo Province have died from leptospirosis from January to August 2026.

Those who died were residents of eight towns.

• Dueñas - 2 deaths
• Dingle - 2 deaths
• Dumangas - 1 death
• Oton - 1 death
• Barotac Nuevo - 1 death
• Zarraga - 1 death
• San Dionisio - 1 death
• Concepcion - 1 death

This is twice the number of people who died from the disease in the same period in 2025.

So far, in 2026, the province recorded 84 cases. The areas that recorded the highest number of cases are the following:

• Tigbauan - 6 cases
• Janiuay - 5 cases
• Dumangas - 5 cases
• Tubungan - 5 cases
• Passi City - 4 cases
• Dingle - 4 cases
• Oton - 4 cases
• Pototan - 4 cases

Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, head of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, said 32 of the 84 cases are “agriculture related.”

She urged farmers to take prophylaxis or preventive antibiotics if they are exposed to risks.

“Sa 84 cases natin, 32 ang agriculture related so probably, mga farmers na nagtatanim sa kanilang farm. Panawagan ko sa kanila, as long as may exposure, uminom ng prophylaxis para sa leptospirosis,” she said.

In Tigbauan town, authorities have intensified the campaign against the disease, especially that most of the cases were recorded in areas that are prone to flooding.

Dr. Jeffrey Rivas, officer-in-charge of the town’s municipal health office, urged residents to always wear protective gear if they need to wade through floodwaters.

“Kapag na-expose kayo sa baha o tumawid sa ilog o nagtatrabaho sa palayan o irigasyon, dapat, mag-safety gear. Kailangan mag-boots pero kung nasugatan, kailangan na pumunta sa health center,” he said. —GMA Regional TV