MANILA — As monsoon rains fall heavily on Friday and throughout the weekend, leptospirosis cases continue to rise in the country.
Data from the Department of Health show that from January to August 27, infections of the vector-borne disease has climbed to over 5,400 with over 500 patients currently admitted in various DOH hospitals throughout Metro Manila.
This week, at least three hospitals have raised the alarm that their emergency rooms are operating at full capacity — the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City; San Lazaro Hospital in Manila; and Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City.
The overflow at San Lazaro Hospital’s ER has prompted the activation of tents with at least 10 beds for mild and moderate patients.
Manpower for these beds is augmented by personnel from the Fabella Hospital, Philippine Orthopedic Center, National Center for Mental Health, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, and the DOH Health Emergency Management Bureau.
San Lazaro sets up leptospirosis tents as leptospirosis cases climb
This follows a command conference convened by Health Secretary Edwin Mercado, who ordered the improvement of patient navigation and referral systems.
The DOH says it has ordered the activation of leptospirosis fastlanes in 33 of its hospitals.
Leptospirosis is a disease that can be acquired through exposure to floodwaters contaminated by rat urine.
Among its symptoms are fever, headache, and muscle weakness, if left unattended, may lead to injuries and complications to the body’s vital organs like kidneys, liver and lungs.
As monsoon rains continue to drench a large portion of the Luzon, health experts continue to advise the public to seek medical consult following exposure to floodwaters and heed their advice on taking post-exposure prophylaxis.