Medical professionals attend to patients at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City on Monday, August 24, 2026. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Following the massive flooding that engulfed part of Metro Manila and Central Luzon over the weekend, a health expert says it may very well be possible for hospitals to observe a second surge of leptospirosis cases.
Speaking to ABS-CBN News, infectious diseases specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante says they predict the number of hospital admissions to rise by the end of the week and early next week.
Given the reports and attention leptospirosis has gained in recent weeks, he is hopeful that the public will have learned from the experience of others.
"The people will be more aware now when they have symptoms, they should go to the hospital or the doctor para naman hindi na sila aabot doon sa moderate or severe kasi medyo challenge talaga tayo doon sa mga healthcare facilities pag moderate, severe na sunod-sunod," he said.
Solante adds that the clean up drives from past floods will have made much of the surrounding cleaner, raising optimism that the second surge won't be as bad as the first.
Data from the Department of Health show that from January to August 27, leptospirosis cases climbed to over 5,400.
"Ang prediction namin yan, merong second wave, pero hindi na siguro ganun kadami as what we have experienced last week and late part of this week," he said.
Solante is affiliated with the San Lazaro Hospital which, due to the rise in leptospirosis cases, experienced an overflow in its emergency room last week. This prompted officials to set up tents and cots and other hospitals to augment as additional medical staff.
READ: San Lazaro sets up leptospirosis tents as leptospirosis cases climb
Last Saturday, the hospital logged a decline in admissions — less than 30. They expect the second wave of cases to be around the same.
"It will be more than 20 a day, yun yung nakikita namin," he said.
CAUTION AGAINST DENGUE
Aside from leptospirosis, the public is also advised to be aware of other diseases — waterborne, influenza-like illnesses and dengue — during the rainy season.
While an outbreak of dengue has been declared in Bohol, Solante says the disease remains manageable overall.
Following heavy rainfall, the public is advised to ensure stagnant water is disposed of properly to avoid serving as breeding sites for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
"I think siguro 3-4 days kung umiinit man tayo, tapos meron pa mga tubig sa mga bahay, yung mga small stagnant water, yun yung magandang breeding places sa mga lamok," Solante said.
Any individual who may experience fever, muscle and joint pains as well as headaches is advised to consult a physician to avoid a disease from progressing.