San Lazaro Hospital: 149 leptospirosis cases in 10 days

THE San Lazaro Hospital (SLH) in Manila has seen a significant rise in leptospirosis cases over the past 10 days, weeks after the massive flooding in Metro Manila caused by rains spawned by typhoon “Carina” and the southwest monsoon.

In a televised public briefing, SLH medical director Dr. Rontgene Solante yesterday reported that they have recorded 149 leptospirosis cases in just the past week and a half.

“This one is really a significant increase in (leptospirosis) cases,” Solante said, pointing out that “in the past several months, we only saw an average of two or three cases in a month.”

He said most of the patients with leptospirosis were among those who waded in flood water during the July 24 flooding in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

Solante said some of the patients admitted to having swam in the floods.

“They didn’t just wade in the flood, they swam in it. So, the bacteria entered their eyes, nose, mouth. That’s the reason why they developed moderate to severe leptospirosis,” he said.

“About one to two weeks after the flooding, they developed the symptoms,” he added.

Solante assured the public that the SLH is prepared to handle leptospirosis cases.