Leptospirosis cases in Cordillera up 56%; Nine casualties recorded since Jan. 2025

Baguio City, Philippines - Nine individuals in the Cordillera region, from over one hundred cases recorded by the Regional Department of Health this year, died of Leptospirosis. 

The latest report of DOH-Cordillera showed that leptospirosis in the region jumped from 85 cases in 2024 to 133 this 2025, an alarming 56 per cent increase.  

Of the total cases this year, there are 9 recorded Leptopirosis-related deaths. This is also higher compared to the 7 recorded in 2024. Two cases each were recorded in Apayao and Baguio City, and 1 casualty each in Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mt. Province.  

It was likewise found that most of the patients infected with the disease are farmers, with 64 per cent of the total cases. 

With that, farmers are advised to wear protective boots when working in waterlogged fields. 

Apayao logged the most number of Leptospirosis cases per province/city this 2025 

As of August 2, Apayao listed the highest cases of said disease with 67 (up from 33 last year), followed by Kalinga with 17 (up from 12); Baguio City with 16 (up from 13); Benguet with 11 (down from 15); Ifugao with 9 (up from 5); Abra with 7 (up from 3); and Mt. Province with 6 (up from 4).  

DOH-CAR Nurse V Victoria Malecdan, in a recent talk, said that the spike in cases was observed in the last four weeks of June, with the onslaught of storms and the habagat (Southwest Monsoon) in the region. 

For the number of cases nationwide, the health department documented 2,396 as of August 8. Most of the victims are from Metro Manila.

Leptospirosis, according to Cleveland Clinic, is a “zoonotic” disease with epidemic potential, especially after a heavy rainfall, caused by a bacterium called “Leptospira”.

The bacteria are often found in the urine of infected animals, especially rats, dogs, pigs, and cattle. The bacteria enter the body of a victim through cuts, wounds, eyes, nose, or mouth while wading in contaminated water or mud. 

DOH- CAR continues to remind the public to avoid wading in floodwaters or wear boots when contact cannot be avoided.

If experiencing any symptoms, seek medical help immediately in order to prevent serious complications or death. Common symptoms of the disease include having fever and chills, severe headache, muscle pain, and red eyes, among others.