DOH fears possible medical crisis over surge in leptospirosis cases

The increase in leptospirosis cases that followed a series of typhoons this month could become a medical crisis if Filipinos are not vigilant about their symptoms, Department of Health (DOH) Director IV Dr. Eric Tayag said Monday.

According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras,” the gym of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) was nearing full capacity due to cases of leptospirosis.

The NKTI had so far recorded 77 leptospirosis cases.

The hospital is also grappling with a lack of manpower after several nurses filed their resignations.

“You cannot give good service if you are in shortage of manpower,” NKTI chief Dr. Rose Marie Liquete said.

The DOH said leptospirosis cases will likely peak in the middle of December since symptoms take two to 28 days to manifest.

“Maaring maging medical crisis. ‘Wag naman sana,” Tayag said.

“Pakiramdaman mo ‘yung mga sintomas, baka akala mo COVID-19 ‘yan, may lagnat, paninilaw ng balat, pamumula ng matang walang pagmumuta, at kung masakit ang ulo mo, sumasakit ‘yung mga muscles mo, magsusupetsa ka kaagad para kung sa gano’n, maaga pa mabigyan ka na ng oral antibiotics at hindi na mauwi sa komplikasyon,” he added.

The DOH advised those who cannot avoid stepping into mud or floodwaters to undergo prophylaxis for the illness, but warned that falling ill with leptospirosis was still possible. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News