A 27-year-old man from Talisay City, Cebu succumbed to the complications of leptospirosis, after wading through floodwaters at Typhoon Tino’s onslaught on November 4, 2025.

The man is one of 23 leptospirosis cases logged at the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Cebu.

The victim was identified as Jerwin Carl Abellana, 27 years old, a resident of Barangay Cansojong.

According to his live-in partner, Berna Sangila, Jerwin was with fever on November 13, 2025. He was first taken to a hospital in Minglanilla but was transferred to a private hospital in Cebu City.

His condition deteriorated fast, according to Berna, citing doctor’s observation that the bacteria had spread to his kidneys and lungs.

Jerwin expired morning on November 16, 2025.

The City of Talisay is one of heavily flooded areas in Cebu when Typhoon Tino barreled through the Visayas.

Berna said it cannot be helped that Jerwin would wade through floodwaters. In fact, she advised Jerwin to take in prophylaxis but Jerwin ignored her. Thus, Berna said she should have forced Jerwin to drink prophylaxis to at least pad the spread of the bacteria.

According to Dr. Ellise Nicole Catalan, Capitol health consultant, leptospirosis cases are probable by this time, being in the incubation period, two weeks after the intense flood struck Cebu.

Catalan called on residents who had waded in floodwaters to seek medical assistance at health centers, and avail of prophylaxis against leptospirosis.

Of the 16 provincial hospitals in Cebu, at least five leptospirosis cases have been logged, excluding cases at private hospitals.

Based on IPHO data submitted to Catalan, at least 23 leptospirosis cases are logged in the province. The Provincial Government of Cebu has shaped Task Force Leptospirosis in preparation for possible rise in cases.

Capitol is in close coordination with the Department of Health to address concerns, not just on prevention but more on the purchase of medicines to deal with the leptospirosis cases.