San Lazaro Hospital faces leptospirosis surge, low supplies

San Lazaro Hospital in Manila has seen a surge in leptospirosis cases, with 57 patients admitted as of Saturday.

The hospital, which currently treats 59 severe cases and three fatalities this week, is running low on medical staff and supplies following the July 24 floods caused by a typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon.

Chief Medical Professional Staff David Suplico stated that dialysis supplies are depleted, necessitating an emergency purchase, while Dr. Princess Petallana noted that only four hemodialysis machines and three nurses to operate them are available.

The Department of Health (DOH) is ready to send additional equipment, health workers, and medicine to struggling medical facilities but advises patients to call 8531-0037 before seeking treatment at overwhelmed hospitals like San Lazaro or the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

All hospitals in Metro Manila are advised to activate their Leptospirosis Surge Capacity Plan as the rainy season continues, with DOH emphasizing that leptospirosis can be treated across various healthcare facilities.