San Lazaro Hospital records 3 leptospirosis deaths in 12 days

San Lazaro Hospital in Manila has recorded at least three deaths from leptospirosis since August 10, including a fatality recorded on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

In a “24 Oras Weekend” report by Bernadette Reyes, San Lazaro Hospital currently has 60 leptospirosis patients, 22 of whom are new admissions and 19 are in severe condition.

Among the admitted patients is RR, who had to wade through floodwaters last Monday.

“Inabot po kami ng baha, then nung pag-uwi po namin nung Monday, nag-half bath lang po ako tapos tulog. Kinagabihan ‘yun na po, naramdaman ko na po na hindi ako makahinga, nilalagnat. Akala ko normal na sakit lang po e. Kasi wala naman akong sugat eh,” RR recalled.

(The floodwaters reached us, and when we got home that Monday, I just took a quick bath and went to sleep. That evening, I already felt that I couldn't breathe and had a fever. I thought it was just a normal illness, especially since I didn't have any open wounds.)

A 14-year-old leptospirosis patient had to be transferred from Gat Andres Bonifacio Medical Center (GABMC) to San Lazaro Hospital to undergo dialysis. His father said the boy had played in deep floodwaters while bathing in the rain.

“Naligo lang sa ulan, naglaro sa tubig na malalim. ‘Yun na pag-uwi niya nilagnat siya. Sabi ko sa kanila ‘wag silang maglaro sa mga baha,” said JR Gagatam, the boy’s father.

(He just bathed in the rain and played in deep water. When he got home, he developed a fever. I had told them not to play in the floods.)

According to GABMC Pediatric Medical Officer Dr. Imelda Tugnao, the boy had to be transferred because dialysis services were currently unavailable at their hospital. He also had elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels and was unable to urinate.

San Lazaro Hospital Medical Chief Dr. David Suplico explained that severe leptospirosis can affect vital organs, including the kidneys, liver and respiratory system.

“Ang severe leptospirosis is ito na ang leptospirosis na inaatake ang mga vital organs ng katawan. Pag umabot siya sa kidney, kailangan na natin mag-hemodialysis; hindi sila makakaihi,” Suplico said.

(Severe leptospirosis is when the disease attacks the body's vital organs. When it reaches the kidneys, hemodialysis becomes necessary because the patient can no longer urinate.)

“Kapag inatake na ang atay, naninilaw po ang pasyente. Pag inatake ang respiratory system, nagkakaroon sila ng hirap sa paghinga na kung minsan kailangan natin silang i-intubate,” he added.

(When it attacks the liver, the patient turns yellow. When it attacks the respiratory system, they experience difficulty breathing, which sometimes requires intubation.)

Suplico noted that the mortality rate among patients experiencing multi-organ dysfunction can reach up to 50%.

On Saturday, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Edwin Mercado visited patients at San Lazaro Hospital.

“May incubation period ‘yan na almost two days to 60 days, pero kalimitan niyan lumalabas five to 15 days,” Mercado explained.

(It has an incubation period of almost two to 60 days, but it usually manifests within five to 15 days.)

As of August 17, 2026, the DOH had recorded 3,760 leptospirosis cases nationwide.

The Health Department is also monitoring dengue, another disease that typically peaks during the rainy season. As of August 17, the DOH had recorded 111,302 dengue cases nationwide this year.

“Nag-uumpisa talaga ‘yan sa mga lagnat, panghihina ng katawan. So dapat ‘yun pa lang pupunta na talaga sa pinakamalapit na health center or hospital. ‘Pag ganito talagang tag-ulan, dengue, in-expect natin ‘yan na tataas pero kung ‘yun nga maagap ang ating preventive measures,” DOH Undersecretary Gloria Balboa said.

(It really starts with fever and body weakness. At the onset of these symptoms, one should immediately go to the nearest health center or hospital. During the rainy season, we expect dengue cases to rise, but this can be managed if preventive measures are implemented promptly.)

The DOH said that despite the rising number of leptospirosis and dengue cases nationwide, hospitals still have sufficient capacity to accommodate patients.

According to Reyes' report, the leptospirosis ward at San Lazaro Hospital has a 120-bed capacity and is currently at 50% occupancy, with 60 patients.

However, other facilities, such as East Avenue Medical Center, are already operating at 119% bed occupancy, including patients with dengue and leptospirosis.

The Health Department reiterated its reminder to the public to avoid wading through floodwaters.

“Kung di naman po talaga napaka-importante ‘yung kailangang gawin. Although nababatid po namin, talagang ‘yung iba po talagang kailangang lumusong kasi parte po ng trabaho nila,” Mercado said.

(If it isn't absolutely necessary, please avoid it. Although we understand that some people really have to wade through floodwaters as part of their jobs.)

“Kung puwede po ay iwasan—sana magsuot ng bota at agad pong maligo, maglinis at talaga pong magsabon ng kanilang katawan,” he added.

(If possible, avoid it. Otherwise, wear boots and immediately take a shower, clean up and wash thoroughly with soap afterward.)— Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/MCG, GMA News