Leptospirosis cases down in several hospitals

Even after the Philippines was lashed by a string of typhoons in November, several hospitals reported fewer leptospirosis cases this week compared to last week.

According to Maki Pulido’s “24 Oras” report on Tuesday, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) has not had any new leptospirosis cases in the past two days, a stark contrast to the crowding of patients in its gym last week.

Eighty patients are still confirmed at the NKTI but all of them have been moved to the ward.

In Marikina’s Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, only 13 leptospirosis cases are left from the previous 27.

However, three died of severe leptospirosis with pulmonary complications.

“Nagpapauwi na kami ng mga dati nang naka-confine so if ever nadadagdagan, mga isa lang, dalawa lang, tapos may nadi-discharge kaya mababa rin ang census,” Dr. Imelda Mateo said.

At the Casimiro Ynares Memorial Medical Center in Rodriguez, Rizal, the number of leptospirosis cases has also gone down to seven from 25.

“During the time na nagpi-peak, kinakausap ko ‘yung mga parents. Tinatanong ko sa kanila… ‘Alam niyo naman na puwedeng uminom ng antibiotic para ma-prevent.’ Sabi nila, busy daw kasi sila sa pagpila sa ayuda,” Dr. Grace Lagarejos said.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier reported that leptospirosis cases this year were 66 percent lower than last year. 

Data from the Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response also showed a decrease in other infectious diseases.

Dengue cases fell by 81 percent, acute bloody diarrhea and cholera by 50 percent, Hepatitis A by 63 percent, typhoid fever by 70 percent, and measles by 92 percent.

“Mga tao nga, hindi lumalabas, ‘di ba?” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said. “So ‘yung exposure sa labas ay nabawasan and, having said that, nakabawas ito ng mga sakit.”—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News