Leptospirosis cases rise as 20 admitted to NKTI, 41 infectious patients in San Lazaro

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) has logged 20 leptospirosis cases, while 41 infectious patients are being treated at the San Lazaro Hospital lepto ward.

According to Maki Pulido’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” 37 of the 41 patients at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila were admitted on Sunday.

Meanwhile, 14 of the 41 San Lazaro leptospirosis patients are aged minors  from 13 to 18 years old.

“Nagsimula na ang leptospirosis surge natin (the leptospirosis surge has begun),” said Dr. Romina Danguilan, NKTI nephrologist and deputy executive director for medical services.

The Department of Health has yet to give the number of leptospirosis cases following the recent flooding caused by the continuous downpour brought by the weather disturbances.

Affecting people and animals, leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria that is spread in the urine of infected animals. Leptospirosis risk often increases after a flood or heavy rain when people have contact with contaminated water or soil.

Among the leptospirosis patients is Jabrielle Bergana, a student who waded through floodwaters to attend to some school requirement in Meycauyan, Bulacan.

He said there was no other route because the whole area was flooded and did not notice he had a small wound on his leg.

Dr. David Suplico, San Lazaro Hospital medical center chief, said they are expecting the rise of leptospirosis cases in the coming days.

He added that their staff will be rotated in the lepto ward, they have prepared cut beds should more patients come in, and the hemodialysis unit has stocked up on supplies.

Meanwhile, the NKTI in Quezon Cityhas prepared its gym to be used as a lepto ward.

The NKTI said all DOH hospitals can perform hemodialysis, a medical procedure that uses a machine to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood when a person's kidneys are not functioning properly, as is the case when a person is infected with leptospirosis.

“One week ago nag workshop na kami for them for peritoneal dialysis. Not all patients need to come here,” Danguilan said.

Physicians once again urged the public to go to their health centers and take prophylaxis once they waded through floodwaters, with or without wounds.

If not treated promptly, leptospirosis could have adverse effects on one’s kidneys, lungs, and liver. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News