Leptospirosis cases surge in Manila due to flooding

Leptospirosis cases have increased in Manila due to recent flooding caused by the Southwest Monsoon and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong.

On Friday, August 8, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center reported 77 leptospirosis cases, up from 66 cases on Thursday, with 44 severe cases requiring dialysis or intubation.

San Lazaro Hospital, the second-highest among DOH hospitals for leptospirosis cases, requested assistance from Philippine Red Cross (PRC) due to the rising number of patients; in response, PRC deployed a team of medical personnel including nurses and nursing students on Saturday.

Private hospitals across the country are bracing for an influx of leptospirosis patients as cases continue to climb, with some public hospitals exceeding capacity and advising potential patients to coordinate or check other health centers.

Despite this, Dr. Rontgene Solante of San Lazaro Hospital said that while leptospirosis cases are surging due to flooding, it is unlikely to escalate into a public health emergency as hospitals prepare for the rainy season; stable mortality rates averaging between 13% and 17% have been noted.

The DOH has also activated 'leptospirosis fast lanes' to speed up consultations.