𝐃𝐑. 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍, 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐄𝐗𝐄𝐂𝐒 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐏𝐁 𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐆𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐕𝐒 𝐋𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐒
Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, the Cebu Capitol’s public health consultant, appeared before the Cebu Provincial Board on Monday, December 1, to brief members of the legislative body on the Capitol’s efforts to combat leptospirosis amid widespread flooding in the province.
Her report was delivered in aid of legislation to support the crafting of policies that would strengthen Cebu’s response to similar public health threats in the future.
According to Dr. Catalan, the Capitol implemented a “targeted and aggressive approach” to prevent infections, noting that the risk of leptospirosis becomes significantly higher whenever communities are exposed to contaminated floodwaters.
Joined by Provincial Health Officer-in-Charge Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal, PhilHealth 7 Regional Vice President Marjorie Cabrieto and Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Caña of the Department of Health, Dr. Catalan reported that from November 1 to 30, Capitol-run hospitals recorded 175 leptospirosis cases. This represents a sharp increase compared to the 37 total cases logged in 2024, and the 90 cases reported from January 1 to October 31 this year.
Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, commonly transmitted through water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals—including rodents, dogs, and farm animals. Infection spikes are typical after heavy rains or flooding, when exposure becomes more widespread.
Dr. Catalan said the Provincial Government worked closely with chiefs of hospitals—both public and private—and with the Department of Health Central Visayas to prepare for and manage the anticipated influx of patients.
She also acknowledged the contribution of private donors who provided prophylactic medicines, which helped augment the Capitol’s supply even as additional stocks continue to be procured for future emergencies.
To date, at least 566,874 prophylactic medications have been distributed to Capitol-run hospitals and to city and municipal health units across Cebu. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝑺𝑪, 𝒀𝑱𝑩
Check this also: Cebu Province Distributes 445,874 Antibiotics to Boost Leptospirosis Prevention Amid Flooding
