Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Amid a surge in leptospirosis cases triggered by flooding on July 24, the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has instructed all hospitals in the Metro Manila area to activate their leptospirosis emergency response plans.
The DOH stated that the increase in leptospirosis cases in Manila has placed immense pressure on the healthcare system's rapid response capacity, particularly due to shortages of human resources and medical equipment.
This announcement follows reports of a surge in leptospirosis hospitalizations at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) and San Lazaro Hospital.
San Lazaro Hospital has admitted 88 leptospirosis patients, 32 of whom are under 18 years old, with 5 deaths.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira. The pathogen can enter the human body through the skin or mucous membranes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), humans are infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or environments contaminated with urine.
From January 1 to July 2024, the Philippines confirmed 1,444 cases of leptospirosis, with 162 deaths. (End)
