DOH hospitals have up to 42 beds available for leptospirosis patients in NCR

Hospitals under the Department of Health (DOH) in Metro Manila have up to 42 beds available for leptospirosis patients and are advised to add more amid a rise in cases following recent flooding caused by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

“Ang mga ospital ng DOH, inabusihan natin na magdagdag ng kama (DOH hospitals were advised to add more hospital beds for leptospirosis patients),” Health Secretary Edwin Mercado told Super Radyo dzBB on Tuesday.

“Meron pa naman tayong nalalabing mga (we have remaining) 41 to 42 available beds all throughout the DOH hospitals in Metro Manila,” he added.

Mercado also said the agency is coordinating with private hospitals to utilize their 10% to 15% zero-balance-billing beds should the number of leptospirosis cases further climb.

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria found in the urine of infected animals, such as rats. It can cause symptoms ranging from fever, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue to severe, potentially fatal disease.

The bacteria can enter the body through fresh wounds or through the mouth, nose, or eyes, possibly through contact with contaminated water or soil.

In data released August 22, the DOH logged 4,285 leptospirosis cases nationwide.

This is 37% lower than the 6,839 cases recorded during the same period last year.

However, a slight increase was still observed from July 26 to August 8, with 495 cases reported.

This is 29% higher than the 383 cases recorded from July 12 to 25, 2026.

The highest number of cases was reported in the National Capital Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.

The Philippine General Hospital earlier said it is in close coordination with the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, after it temporarily limited the admission of walk-in patients after reaching full bed capacity due to a surge in leptospirosis cases.

Meanwhile, the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila is operating at 300% to 500% of its emergency room capacity amid the surge in cases.

According to Mercado, the country has 3.1 million capsules of doxycycline available for patients who may need treatment for leptospirosis.

The DOH also urged Filipinos to consult a doctor for suspected leptospirosis instead of self-medicating. — RSJ, GMA News