NATION

Zambales records 31 cases of leptospirosis

Jonas Reyes · Sep 9, 2026, 2:37 PM

POLICE officers from Cabangan Municipal Police Station evacuate residents trapped by flooding in Barangay Longos, Cabangan, Zambales, caused by typhoon ‘Paolo.’ — PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of cabangan mps

The Provincial Health Office (PHO), thru its Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), has recorded 31 cases of leptospirosis since 4 August 2026 up to 2 September 2026, as the province of Zambales experienced heavy rainfall and continuous flooding.

According to the PHO, the highest number of cases was recorded in the town of Subic wherein 15 people were afflicted by the said bacteria. Cabangan and Castillejos followed this with three cases each.

Other towns such as Botolan, San Marcelino and Sta. Cruz have recorded two cases each, while the towns of Iba, Palauig, San Felipe, and San Narciso each recorded a case of leptospirosis.

23 of the patients who contracted the bacteria are male, while the remaining eight are female. Seven are classified as probable cause, while the remaining 24 are classified as suspect case.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira spirochetes that spreads to humans through water, soil, or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals like rodents. Flooding worsens leptospirosis by spreading animal urine containing Leptospira bacteria into standing water and mud that people touch or walk through.