THE City Health Office (CHO) categorically denied allegations on Wednesday that Cogon Public Market has become a hotspot for leptospirosis, confirming that no fatalities related to the disease have been recorded in the city for 2026.

City Health Officer-in-Charge Dr. Claire Paglinawan moved quickly to dispel fears after a claim surfaced during a City Council session alleging that 10 people had died from leptospirosis in the market area.

According to Paglinawan, an immediate investigation into the complaint revealed that the rumors were unfounded. Both preliminary and confirmed health records show zero leptospirosis-related deaths this year.

“Our investigation showed that the alleged case is not leptospirosis. We reviewed the death certificate and it is not linked to the disease,” Paglinawan said.

Reality vs. Rumors

Authorities found no evidence of clustering cases at the market. The specific death cited in the allegation was confirmed to be unrelated to the bacterial infection.

To provide perspective, the city did record 33 leptospirosis deaths in 2025, but those cases occurred primarily between September and November and were scattered across various barangays — not concentrated in Cogon Market.

“Wala gyud mi nakita nga 10 ka nagdungan nga leptospirosis deaths for 2026,” Paglinawan said.

Market sanitation and vendor responsibility

To ensure public safety, the City Economic Enterprises and Business Development Administration (Ceebda) has already conducted fumigation and water flushing operations at Cogon Market.

Ceebda Manager Atty. Marianne Raagas dismissed the allegations as unwarranted but reminded stall owners that hygiene starts with them.

“Responsibilidad sa vendors nga limpyohan ug ampingan ang ilang pwesto,” Raagas said.

Ongoing monitoring and public safety

The City Health Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit is maintaining strict hospital-based monitoring, while sanitary inspectors remain deployed in flood-prone areas.

For residents concerned about exposure — especially those who have waded through floodwaters — the CHO advised that prevention is accessible. Over 54,000 capsules of doxycycline are currently in stock.

What you can do

Get Protected: Free doxycycline is available at all barangay health centers.
Know the Symptoms: Watch for fever, muscle pain, headache, and vomiting. If you have these symptoms and recent exposure to flood water, seek medical consultation immediately. 

CHO Hotline: 0975-841-3299


Stay Informed: A committee hearing led by City Councilor Paolo Gaane will be held soon to clarify the allegations with the complainant.