Davao City – June 3, 2025 — As the rainy season sets in, the Davao City Health Office (CHO) has once again warned residents about the increased risk of leptospirosis, a potentially fatal disease transmitted through floodwaters contaminated with animal urine.
Dr. Sofia Corazon Zafra, Medical Coordinator of the CHO’s City Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases program, reminded the public during an interview on the city-run Davao City Disaster Radio’s Madayaw Program that free post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medicines are available in all barangay and district health centers.
“If you were exposed to floodwaters, especially after coming from outside, immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health center for proper prophylaxis,” Dr. Zafra advised.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by Leptospira and is commonly transmitted through the urine of infected animals. Humans may contract the disease through contact with contaminated water or soil—even without open wounds, Dr. Zafra emphasized.
She urged those who have come into contact with floodwaters to wash the exposed areas thoroughly and visit a health facility within 24 hours. Early medical intervention is crucial, and self-medicating is strongly discouraged due to the risk of incorrect dosage or treatment.
Common symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, headache, chills, joint pain, vomiting, nausea, yellowing of the skin, red eyes, stomach pain, diarrhea, and rashes.
The CHO’s City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) reported a total of 94 leptospirosis cases in Davao City as of May 24, 2024. Tragically, 25 of these cases resulted in death.
The CHO is urging the public to stay vigilant, maintain a clean environment, avoid walking through floodwaters when possible, and prioritize immediate medical care if exposure occurs.
As rainy days continue, health officials call on all Dabawenyos to remain proactive in preventing disease and protecting their health.