MANILA — The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) announced on Friday that it urgently needs additional staff following a surge in leptospirosis cases, two weeks after parts of Metro Manila were inundated by floods triggered by the Carina-enhanced monsoon rains.
To accommodate the influx of patients, the hospital has transformed its gymnasium into a leptospirosis ward. According to NKTI’s Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Romina Danguilan, 90 percent of the patients in this ward are undergoing dialysis, indicating the severe stage of their illness.
“Yesterday, we had 28 new patients with severe leptospirosis that came. That’s why we don’t have enough wards anymore. We still have to admit all our other patients needing other management. That’s why we have had to convert our gym into a lepto (leptospirosis) ward,” Dr. Danguilan explained.
In the past two weeks alone, two patients have succumbed to complications from leptospirosis.
NKTI anticipates a further increase in leptospirosis cases as the rainy season continues, potentially leading to more flooding.
“We already have this agreement with the DOH. I’m sure other hospitals are also going to be in need. We want to ask for augmentation for 20 staff nurses and 10 internal medicine doctors to help us monitor these patients,” Dr. Danguilan added.
Between July 14-27, during the heavy rains and flooding in Metro Manila and surrounding areas, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 67 cases of leptospirosis. The DOH cautioned that the number could rise due to delayed reporting.
Since January, the DOH has logged 1,444 cases of leptospirosis, a 42 percent decrease from the 2,505 cases reported during the same period in 2023.
Health experts continue to warn the public to seek medical consultation after exposure to floodwaters and to take prophylaxis to prevent contracting leptospirosis, which can lead to kidney failure, acute pancreatitis, or lung hemorrhage.
The DOH has urged the public to be vigilant about the symptoms of leptospirosis, particularly those who have come into contact with flood or contaminated waters, including mud.
In an infographic, the DOH listed symptoms of leptospirosis, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, body pain, chills, jaundice, rashes, and eye redness.
“Kung ikaw ay makaranas ng mga sintomas na nabanggit matapos mapunta sa kontaminadong tubig o putik, mahalagang magpatingin agad sa doktor o pumunta sa pinakamalapit na ospital upang makakuha ng angkop na gamutan,” the agency advised.
The incubation period for leptospirosis can range from 2 to 30 days, with symptoms typically appearing 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to floodwaters, the DOH noted in a press release.