CITY OF MALOLOS – The Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB), through the Provincial Health Office-Public Health (PHO-PH), is ramping up its monitoring, medical response, and prevention efforts amid the staggering 149% surge in suspect Leptospirosis cases recorded in the province.
Recent typhoons and the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat have left widespread flooding in their wake, driving up infections. In response, the PGB and PHO-PH are closely monitoring flood-affected areas and evacuation centers, while also working hand-in-hand with municipal and city Disease Surveillance Units to ensure accurate data collection, analyze reports, and conduct active case finding on the ground.
Public hospitals across the province are also being monitored to ensure the prompt management and treatment of patients, while additional supplies of Doxycycline, ointments for athlete’s foot, and other essential medicines are being distributed to City and Municipal Health Offices, government hospitals, government offices, and other institutions seeking assistance from the PHO-PH.
According to the PHO-PH Leptospirosis Advisory, Bulacan recorded 394 suspect Leptospirosis cases from January 1 to September 5, 2026, a sharp jump from 158 cases reported during the same period last year.
In the past two weeks alone, 232 new cases were recorded, accounting for 59% of this year’s total, alongside four Leptospirosis-related deaths, while cases exceeded the alert threshold by 535%.
While individuals aged 4 to 76 have been affected, those aged 25 to 29 recorded the highest number of infections, where males account for 76% (300 cases) of the total, with exposure to floodwater identified as the primary transmission route.
Geographically, from Morbidity Weeks 1 to 35, the highest total cases were recorded in the City of Meycauayan (58), City of San Jose del Monte (47), and City of Malolos (39), while based on attack rate, Meycauayan City ranked highest (58 cases; 2.46 attack rate), followed by Bocaue (33 cases; 2.23 attack rate) and Calumpit (24 cases; 1.97 attack rate).
Governor Daniel R. Fernando has directed the immediate implementation of strict preventive measures to curb the further increase of Leptospirosis cases and prevent the situation from worsening in the coming weeks.
“We must also intensify sanitation and rat-control measures as soon as floodwaters recede and ensure that every community is properly informed about prevention and early treatment. No suspected case should be ignored or left without proper medical attention, and I urge our local officials and health workers to act immediately to protect our communities from further transmission,” the governor said.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira, may be contracted through wounds or skin abrasions exposed to floodwater or wet soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, and may cause fever, muscle pain, headache, leg pain, eye redness, and, in severe cases, reduced or darkened urine, prompting individuals with such symptoms to immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health center or hospital.
The public is also urged to avoid swimming or wading in floodwater regardless of wounds, use boots and other protective gear when exposure is unavoidable, thoroughly clean up immediately after exposure, clear residual floodwater and keep surroundings clean to prevent rat infestation.
For individuals who have waded through floodwater without protection, with or without wounds, Doxycycline may be prescribed following the assessment by a doctor or healthcare professional at health centers. Dosage depends on the nature and duration of the exposure and whether wounds are present.
Early medical consultation is vital, as Leptospirosis can be fatal but entirely manageable when patients receive early hospital care.
