Leptospirosis cases in the Province of Cebu have reached the outbreak level at 117, according to the Cebu Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) on Friday, November 21, 2025.

However, IPHO pointed out that only the Department of Health (DOH) can declare a leptospirosis outbreak.

IPHO is alarmed at the spike of leptospirosis cases in the province at 117. Seven patients have died, based on IPHO data from November 1 to November 20.

The cases are logged in 14 municipalities with Danao City having the most number of cases at 33 and two deaths. Balamban is on second spot with the most number of cases at 27 and four deaths.

The cases need to undergo a confirmatory test at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

According to Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal, IPHO officer in charge, the current cases are way higher compared to cases in 2024 that did not even reach 50.

In the first few months of 2025, confirmed cases reached 90 with 11 deaths. However, within 20 days in November, leptospirosis cases rose to 117 with seven deaths.

Arsenal said this has already reached the outbreak level, but the declaration remains with the DOH.

The Provincial Government of Cebu has sustained its efforts in distributing prophylaxis to residents of flood-stricken communities. IPHO also called on residents who waded in floodwaters to seek immediate medical consultation at the onset of fever and other symptoms, and to never self-medicate.

IPHO disclosed that provincial hospitals are already full of leptospirosis patients, especially in Balamban and Danao City.

Earlier, Cebu Province created a Task Force Lepto in preparation for the surge of cases.

As of this writing, DOH has not issued a statement yet on the rise in leptospirosis cases.

On the other hand, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 has monitored tightly the members of its force for possible infection as 100 percent of the troop waded through floodwaters during various rescue operations.

Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, PRO 7 director, said that as of this writing there are no leptospirosis cases logged at PRO 7.