Leptospirosis deaths in San Lazaro Hospital climb to 13

Deaths due to leptospirosis at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila climbed to 13, while admissions are now at 104 following the floods caused by the recent series of typhoons that hit the country. 

According to Mariz Umali’s report on Unang Balita on Friday, among those who died is a 16-year-old who suffered acute renal failure due to the disease. 

David Suplico, San Lazaro Hospital’s Medical Center chief, said that the rise of cases could be attributed to the lack of awareness that the government hospitals and barangay health centers are providing free prophylaxis, which must be taken after exposure to floodwaters. 

“Hindi po nila alam na there is a prophylaxis po. Most of our 104 patients ay wala pong ininom na prophylaxis. Hindi po sila nabigyan ng doxycycline para pang-ano natin sa Leptospira bacteria,” he said. 

(They don't know there's a prophylaxis. Most of our 104 patients didn't take any prophylaxis. They weren't given doxycycline to prevent the complications from Leptospira bacteria.) 

A person is prone to getting leptospirosis if there are wounds or lesions on the skin that were exposed to the floodwaters. Hence, Suplico reminded that two capsules of doxycycline must be taken right after exposure. 

Further, Suplico explained that leptospirosis, which is caused by the Leptospira bacteria present in the urine of rats, can also be acquired even without floodwaters. 

“Ang paglakad-lakad lang sa lupa na nakapaa ay magkakaroon din ng leptospirosis, kung ang lupa ay naihian din ng daga na may Leptospira bacteria,” he said. 

(Walking barefoot on soil can also lead to leptospirosis, especially if the soil has been contaminated with urine from rats carrying Leptospira bacteria.) 

But the hospital official said that leptospirosis can still be treated as long as there is immediate treatment. 

“Kung kayo po ay may history ng paglusong sa baha, nilagnat po kayo, pumunta na kayo sa hospital at magpa-check sa doktor,” said Suplico. 

(If you have a history of wading in floodwaters and you develop a fever, please go to the hospital and get checked by a doctor.) 

Despite the influx of leptospirosis cases in the Manila-based hospital, Suplico said that the number of cases is already plateauing. 

“May good news po ako sa mga kababayan natin, medyo nagpa-plateau na po ang leptospirosis. At ang naa-admit na po namin ay pababa na po nang pababa ang numero,” said Suplico. 

(I have good news for our fellow citizens: the leptospirosis cases are starting to plateau. The number of admissions we're seeing is steadily decreasing.) –Vince Angelo Ferreras/ VAL, GMA Integrated News