DOH opens fast lanes for leptospirosis treatment

The Department of Health (DOH) has established "Leptospirosis Fast Lanes" in 19 select hospitals nationwide to expedite consultation and treatment for individuals potentially exposed to leptospirosis.

This initiative follows a surge in leptospirosis cases, with 2,396 infections recorded from June 8 to August 7, 2025, a week after the start of the rainy season.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, typically rats.

A recent fatality in Quezon City, whose symptoms included high fever, body aches, and jaundice, underscores the severity of the disease.

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo urged those experiencing fever and body pains after floodwater exposure to seek immediate medical consultation, even within a day or two after symptoms appear.

The 19 hospitals with fast lanes include San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Philippine Orthopedic Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Valenzuela Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Rizal Medical Center, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, National Children's Hospital, National Center for Mental Health, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Children's Medical Center, and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.