The country’s leptospirosis cases have reached 5,486, with 344 fatalities recorded since January 4, and could further spike in the next two weeks, according to the Department of Health (DoH) on Friday, which said its hospitals have implemented fast lanes and augmented their workforce in response.
DoH Undersecretary for Health Dr. Gloria J. Balboa said leptospirosis cases reached 5,486 from January 4 to August 26, marking a 23% decrease from the 7,163 cases logged during the same period last year.
Despite the decline in cases, DoH said it continues to implement measures as it anticipates a possible increase in cases over the next two weeks.
“So, we are expecting an increase in cases in the next two weeks due to the recent heavy rains and flooding,” DoH Secretary Dr. Edwin M. Mercado said during a press conference in Filipino.
“That is why the DOH is continuously intensifying its surveillance of leptospirosis cases, while also ensuring that its facilities remain operational and have adequate supplies,” he added.
Of the total number of cases in the National Capital Region, 158 patients are admitted to San Lazaro Hospital, the majority of whom have mild cases.
At the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), which handles more than 90% of severe leptospirosis cases, at least 144 patients have been admitted since January, with one fatality, NKTI Executive Director Dr. Jose Dante P. Dator said. Of these, 52 are currently admitted.
Amid the surge in cases and the potential for a further increase due to the ongoing inclement weather, 33 DOH hospitals in highly affected regions have implemented fast lanes to ensure that patients with leptospirosis are attended to promptly, Dr. Mercado said.
“Patients here will be attended to immediately. If they develop symptoms such as fever, swelling, and difficulty urinating, we do not delay treatment and instead expedite the process,” Mr. Mercado said.
“After seeing the long lines of patients at San Lazaro, we set up a tent so patients could be attended to immediately, as they first need to undergo testing and have their blood drawn,” he added.
The DOH has also convened a command conference to strengthen coordination among its hospitals, prevent congestion at individual facilities, and help patients find available hospitals for treatment.
The agency has also deployed additional health workers and set up tents at hospitals such as San Lazaro to help address the surge in cases.
The DOH continues to advise the public to avoid wading through floodwaters and, if unavoidable, seek consultation at health centers and YAKAP centers to receive preventive medication. — Edg Adrian A. Eva
