DOH activates surge plans for leptospirosis in Metro Manila

The Department of Health (DOH) has ordered the activation of surge capacity plans in hospitals under its supervision in Metro Manila due to an increase in leptospirosis cases.

As of July 27, there were already 1,444 reported leptospirosis cases nationwide, which is a 42% decrease from the same period last year.

DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo assured that hospital beds are currently not lacking but measures have been put in place to address potential shortages by referring patients to other hospitals and increasing bed capacity.

San Lazaro Hospital and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) continue to manage patient influx, with NKTI opening a new ward for leptospirosis patients and transferring some cases to Tala Hospital.

The DOH emphasizes that doxycycline is readily available in health centers and pharmacies but requires a prescription from a doctor, with a price freeze in effect until September 23.