The emergency room of San Lazaro Hospital in Manila is operating at 300% to 500% of its capacity amid a continued rise in leptospirosis cases following flooding caused by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.
San Lazaro Hospital Medical Center Chief Dr. David Suplico said 87 leptospirosis patients are currently being treated at the hospital, including 26 in critical condition who are experiencing difficulty breathing or requiring dialysis.
Three patients have also died from the disease between August 19 and 22.
Suplico explained that leptospirosis symptoms may appear two to 30 days after exposure, raising concerns that cases could continue to increase in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) urged the public to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of leptospirosis and avoid taking medication without proper medical advice.
Hospitals experiencing capacity issues may also use the DOH’s Leptospirosis Bed Tracker System to help locate available beds and facilitate patient referrals.
