Leptospirosis breaches epidemic level in Manila

MANILA, Philippines, September 8 ------ The number of leptospirosis cases in Manila has exceeded the epidemiologic threshold, the city health department announced.

According to city health officer Dr. Grace Padilla, a rapid increase over a short period was shown, with the number of cases rising from 1.27 percent last week to 3.48 percent. Manila logged 12 new cases yesterday, bringing the total number to 982. Up to 35 fatalities have been recorded.

Padilla said district hospitals in the city have reached full capacity, including Ospital ng Maynila, Sta. Ana Hospital and Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital. At San Lazaro Hospital, medical center chief David Suplico said admission rates have declined although another surge is expected. “The leptospirosis situation brought about by the Aug. 17 flooding is starting to subside. What we are preparing for now is the flooding that occurred in Metro Manila on Aug. 29 and 30,” Suplico said.

Mayor Isko Moreno said free doxycycline capsules are available across 44 health centers and seven district hospitals in Manila. He also ordered the city health department and barangay officials to go directly to residents and distribute doxycycline to those affected by flooding in recent weeks.

Source: philstar.com