8 Dead, 123 downed by Leptospirosis in Cordillera, DOH reports

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Eight people have died while 123 cases of leptospirosis were recorded in the Cordillera Administrative Region from January 4 to August 1, 2026, according to the Department of Health–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR).

The figures come as persistent rains and flooding continue across the region, raising concerns over increased exposure to contaminated floodwater, mud and soil.

In a briefing reported by national media, DOH-CAR said the 123 cases represent a 13-percent decrease from the number recorded during the same period in 2025. Despite the decline, health authorities continue to urge the public to take precautions, particularly farmers and other outdoor workers who are frequently exposed to wet soil and water.

Farmers among most affected

DOH-CAR Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Officer IV Dr. Mae Kemeny Manogan said farmers accounted for 39 percent of the recorded cases, placing them among the groups at greater risk of infection because of their regular contact with soil, mud and water.

The median age of patients was 30 years, indicating that many of those affected were of working age.

Leptospirosis is associated with exposure to floodwater, puddles, mud and soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats and other rodents. However, Manogan noted that farm animals such as cows, carabaos and goats can also carry the bacteria.

The risk increases during prolonged rainfall and flooding as people are more likely to come into contact with contaminated water while traveling, farming, cleaning flooded homes or working outdoors.

The DOH-CAR has particularly warned that open wounds exposed to contaminated water can increase the risk of infection.

Nationwide cases reach 3,440

The Cordillera figures come amid continued national monitoring of leptospirosis following widespread flooding and heavy rains.

Nationwide, the Department of Health recorded 3,440 leptospirosis cases and 220 deaths from January 4 to August 8, 2026. While the total number of cases was 35 percent lower than the 5,318 recorded during the same period in 2025, the DOH noted an increase in cases during the July 12–25 period.

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. People can become infected when their skin, particularly through cuts or wounds, or their eyes, nose or mouth come into contact with water or soil contaminated by infected animal urine.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle pain, chills, vomiting, diarrhea and red eyes. Severe infections can cause serious complications involving the kidneys, liver, lungs and other organs and can be fatal.

The disease can affect people of all ages, but occupational and environmental exposure can increase the risk, particularly among farmers and others who regularly work in wet or muddy conditions.

DOH urges protection against infection

With rains continuing across the Cordillera, health authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary contact with floodwater and muddy areas.

Those who need to work in wet environments are advised to wear rain boots and other protective equipment, cover wounds, and wash exposed skin and feet thoroughly with clean running water and soap after contact with floodwater or mud.

Manogan emphasized that some farmers still work barefoot for easier movement, increasing their exposure to potentially contaminated mud and water.

Residents who develop fever or other symptoms after exposure to floodwater or potentially contaminated soil are advised to seek medical attention promptly rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.

With the rainy season continuing, DOH-CAR is maintaining its monitoring of leptospirosis cases while urging the public to take preventive measures to avoid further illness and deaths.