COVID-19 tents being used for leptospirosis patients in Marikina hospital

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tents at the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center are now being used for leptospirosis patients as Marikina City reported an increase in the number of bacterial infection cases following the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses.

According to Maki Pulido’s report on Balitanghali on Tuesday, ARMMC medical director Imelda Mateo said the spike in leptospirosis cases can be attributed to the widespread flooding in the city weeks ago.

Mateo said the hospital already has 27 cases of leptospirosis.

Several patients are still at the emergency room waiting to be admitted, she added.

Mateo said if the increase in patients continues, the hospital will need to refer them to other facilities.

Further, she urged residents to continue taking prophylaxis as long as there is an exposure to mud or flood.

Individuals experiencing symptoms of leptospirosis should immediately get medical treatment, she added.

Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected rodents and other infected animals which can get into floodwaters.

A large part of Marikina became flooded more than a week ago after the Marikina River overflowed due to strong overnight rains brought by Ulysses.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/AOL, GMA News