MALOLOS CITY—The Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB), through the Provincial Health Office–Public Health (PHO-PH), has ramped up its leptospirosis prevention and response efforts despite a significant drop in suspected cases compared to last year.

From January 1 to August 9, the PHO-PH recorded 114 suspected leptospirosis cases, with only two confirmed positive by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

This marks a 25% decrease from the 151 suspected cases reported during the same period in 2024.

Officials noted that the current figure remains 40% below the epidemic threshold.

In response, the PGB has intensified surveillance and monitoring in flood-prone communities, recognizing the heightened risk of infection in areas affected by seasonal rains.

The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) is working closely with city and municipal Disease Surveillance Units to ensure timely data collection, case analysis, and reporting.

To protect vulnerable populations, the provincial government has distributed doxycycline tablets to 14,850 residents through local health offices, government hospitals, churches, barangays, and other requesting groups.

Health promotion activities have been launched to raise public awareness.

The PHO-PH has conducted community lectures, distributed information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, and utilized social media and local radio broadcasts to educate residents on leptospirosis prevention and early treatment.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira, typically contracted through contact with floodwaters contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rats.

Other animals such as cattle, pigs, and dogs can also transmit the bacteria.

Symptoms such as fever, red eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, loss of appetite, chills, and coughing may appear four to 14 days after exposure.

The PHO-PH strongly advises the public to avoid wading in floodwaters whenever possible, wear protective gear when exposure is unavoidable, and seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.

Governor Daniel R. Fernando reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to public health and safety, emphasizing the importance of sustained and intensified interventions.

“Ipagpapatuloy po ng ating Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ang mas pinaigting na mga hakbang upang hindi na dumami pa ang kaso ng leptospirosis sa ating lalawigan. Asahan po ninyo ang tuluy-tuloy nating serbisyo para mas mapainam pa ang ating pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng bawat Bulakenyo,” (Our provincial government will continue the intensified steps so that case of leptospirosis in our province will not increase. Expect our continuous service to improve our response to the needs of each Bulakenyo)," he said.

He also assured residents that the Bulacan Medical Center and all district hospitals are well-prepared and adequately equipped to manage any potential increase in leptospirosis cases.