A 54-year-old fish vendor at a public market in Cagayan de Oro City died due to complications from leptospirosis.

The victim was identified as Mercedes Wabe Dragon, a fish vendor at the Cogon Public Market.

According to the victim’s husband, Mercedes was brought to a hospital after she began feeling unwell on December 23, 2025. She passed away on January 14, 2026.

The family said complications arising from the disease caused her death. The husband added that before his wife, their 24-year-old worker had contracted the disease but was able to recover.

The incident was reported to the City Economic Enterprises and Business Development Administration (CEEBDA), which oversees public markets in the city.

CEEBDA has launched an investigation into allegations that the disease may have been contracted from the fish section of the Cogon Market.

CEEBDA has also coordinated with the City Health Office (CHO) and other concerned agencies to determine whether leptospirosis is present in the area.

“Bisan pa og isolated case ni siya dili lang gihapon ta magkumpyansa tungod kay health concern siya ug ang Cagayan de Oro sige pud og ulan-ulan na,” CEEBDA Head, Atty. Marianne Guibone-Ragas, said.

Another fish vendor confirmed that their sales have declined since reports of their colleague’s death circulated.

However, vendors assured consumers that their products are clean and safe.

“Pero ang among merkado isip kami mga tindero mga tag-iya sa stall, mga stall holder amo gyud gipaningkamutan nga limpyo para daghan pa gyud nga musulod nga mga mamalitay dinhi sa merkado sir,” fish vendor, Maysa Hernando, said.

“Gusto nako hangyuon ang publiko nga magkalma lang ta kay nag reach out pud ko sa City Health Office ug ang City Health adunay ensakto nga jurisdiction to do this matter is directly handling na this case,” Ragas added.