Leptospirosis cases surge: Metro Manila hospitals set up fast lanes to accommodate patients

August 11 ------ NINETEEN hospitals in Metro Manila have activated their leptospirosis fast lanes to accommodate a surge in cases following weeks of rain-induced flooding, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

The move comes as emergency services at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and Ospital ng Maynila have been temporarily closed due to overwhelming patient volumes. The Pasay City General Hospital (PCGH) also announced on its Facebook page on Saturday, Aug. 9, that its emergency room has reached full capacity.

PCGH confirmed to The Manila Times that the surge was due to multiple cases of leptospirosis, although it was handling a mix of patients with different illnesses. Leptospirosis fast lanes are designed to provide immediate consultation, diagnosis and treatment for patients who have had exposure to floodwater.

According to their latest data, the DOH has recorded a total of 2,396 leptospirosis cases from June 8 to Aug. 7, with a significant concentration in Metro Manila. Among the DOH-accredited hospitals is Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC) in Marikina, which has activated its emergency command system to ensure readiness amid persistent rainfall and flooding, its medical center’s chief, Dr. Imelda Mateo, said. Dr. Mateo said that with 38 leptospirosis patients — including four children and 13 adults undergoing dialysis — at the hospital, supplies remain stable, with about 10,000 doxycycline capsules available for prophylaxis. ARMMC also provides free medicines to indigent patients from outside Marikina, provided they have a valid prescription. “We cater to any Filipino citizen who needs medicine, as long as it’s in the Philippine national drug formulary,” Mateo said.

In Pasig City, the Rizal Memorial Medical Center has expanded its capacity by converting hallways and non-medical areas into treatment spaces for moderate to severe leptospirosis cases. Emergency Medicine Department chairman Dr. Vincent Moderezs reported 11 admitted patients and 32 suspected cases in the emergency room. He said consultations and treatment for leptospirosis patients are free under the hospital’s zero-balance billing policy.

The Pasay City General Hospital, meanwhile, said people who could wait may still line up, but urged those with emergency needs to proceed to the nearest hospitals for immediate care to ensure timely treatment. In its advisory, PCGH urged the public to visit health centers from Monday to Friday for non-urgent and non-emergency cases, while those with urgent or emergency concerns should temporarily proceed to nearby hospitals. Meanwhile, San Lazaro Hospital in Manila has admitted 124 moderates to severe leptospirosis cases so far, with 14 recorded deaths.

Medical Center chief Dr. Rontgene Solante emphasized the importance of early detection. “Leptospirosis can be deadly, but it is preventable. If you’ve been exposed to floodwater and develop a fever, seek medical care immediately,” he said. These facilities are also distributing prophylactic doxycycline to high-risk individuals upon presentation of a valid prescription. The DOH reminded the public that symptoms can appear up to 30 days after exposure, underscoring the need for vigilance in the weeks following flooding.

Source: manilatimes.net