MANILA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday directed all hospitals in the capital to "activate their leptospirosis surge capacity plan" amid rising cases following the massive July 24 flooding.
"Due to the increasing leptospirosis cases in (Metro Manila) and preparation for the anticipated increases over the coming days, the ability to respond timely and significantly is being challenged, specifically in the augmentation of human and non-human resources such as the deployment of health workers to serve with the surges and increasing the critical care capacity," the DOH memorandum read.
The DOH memorandum was released after the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) and San Lazaro Hospital reported more admissions of leptospirosis patients.
The NKTI converted its gymnasium into a leptospirosis ward where patients can be administered dialysis. The 66-bed makeshift gym ward and emergency room are full.
Both hospitals are adding more beds to accommodate more patients and are clamoring for more doctors and nurses to care for the increasing number of patients.
Romina Danguilan, the deputy executive director for medical services at the NKTI, said the hospital cares for at least 72 patients, and 62 of them are undergoing dialysis because the patients' kidneys have "shut down." Two have died.
"The patients also have acute pancreatitis, liver function abnormalities, and hepatitis. Some of them have severe lung damage, so they need to be intubated. Some of them are attached to respirators," she added.
Another government-run San Lazaro Hospital also cares for 88 leptospirosis patients, 32 aged 18-year-old below. Five have died.
David Suplico, the chief medical professional staff, said tents were set up as an emergency room extension for suspected cases of leptospirosis undergoing laboratory tests.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affecting humans and animals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), humans get infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.
The bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin or the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes, according to the WHO.
From January until July 27, 2024, the DOH tallied 1,444 cases and 162 deaths. The DOH has yet to update its numbers. ■
