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PRC deploys team amid spike in leptospirosis cases
By J.Lo
“ER is good for 60 patients, but admissions made now reached 120…so, you can imagine our staff being overworked… might not be able to go home because we lack manpower to monitor patients and give them medication,” Dr. Romina Danguilan, NKTI deputy executive director for medical services said surge of leptospirosis cases has left emergency room of National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) at full capacity on Friday, with 67 cases added to 48 currently confined due to bacterial disease.
Responding to surge, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has sent 15-person medical team to provide support to hospital’s staff.
Richard Gordon, PRC chairman and chief executive officer, assured NKTI director Dr. Rose Marie Liquete of PRC’s all-out support.
“PRC is ready to deploy medical tents with hospital beds once situation or number of patients further escalates,” Gordon said.
Apart from leptospirosis patients, other patients such as those who will undergo surgery and those suffering from other illnesses are also seeking treatment in the hospital.
Danguilan, said number of patients admitted to emergency room had doubled.
According to the hospital, influx of leptospirosis patients is normal after storm. In this case, recent floods from Typhoon Carina and southwest monsoon is likely factor.
Department of Health (DOH) advised leptospirosis patients to seek medical assistance from other health facilities.
“National Kidney and Transplant Institute is currently treating several confirmed and probable leptospirosis cases,” DOH said in an advisory. “To allow for prompt management, doctors and their suspect or probable leptospirosis patients are hereby advised to divert to nearby equally capable hospitals.”
DOH continues to be on guard for leptospirosis cases in the country.
“Department of Health is continually assessing clinical, epidemiologic and logistics situation to effectively respond to anticipated rise in leptospirosis cases after floods of Typhoon Carina and enhanced monsoon,” DOH said.
Data from DOH showed there were 67 cases of leptospirosis recorded nationwide from July 14 to 27. Numbers may change with delayed incoming reports.
It also noted that since start of 2024 until July 27, total number of recorded leptospirosis cases stands at 1,444, 42 percent lower compared to 2,505 cases in the same period last year.
As for fatalities, 162 deaths due to leptospirosis have been recorded for the same time period this year.
Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, PRC secretary general, meanwhile advised public to wear “protective gear” if walking through floodwaters cannot be avoided. “Use proper protection, such as boots and gloves, if they need to wade in contaminated water or floodwaters,” Pang said.
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