Red Cross deploys team amid surge in leptospirosis cases

MANILA, Philippines — A surge of leptospirosis cases has left the emergency room of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) at full capacity on Friday, with 67 cases added to the 48 currently confined due to the bacterial disease.

Responding to the surge, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has sent a 15-person medical team to provide support to the hospital’s staff.

Richard Gordon, PRC chairman and chief executive officer, assured NKTI director Dr. Rose Marie Liquete of PRC’s all-out support.
“The PRC is ready to deploy medical tents with hospital beds once the situation or the number of patients further escalates,” Gordon said.

Apart from leptospirosis patients, other patients – such as those who will undergo surgery and those suffering from other illnesses – are also seeking treatment in the hospital.

Dr. Romina Danguilan, NKTI deputy executive director for medical services, said the number of patients admitted to the emergency room had doubled.

“The ER is good for 60 patients, but admissions made now reached 120. So, you can imagine our staff being overworked. They might not be able to go home because we lack manpower to monitor patients and give them medication,” Danguilan said.

According to the hospital, the influx of leptospirosis patients is normal after a storm. In this case, recent floods from Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon is a likely factor.

The Department of Health (DOH) advised leptospirosis patients to seek medical assistance from other health facilities.
“The National Kidney and Transplant Institute is currently treating several confirmed and probable leptospirosis cases,” the DOH said in an advisory. “To allow for prompt management, doctors and their suspect or probable leptospirosis patients are hereby advised to divert to nearby equally capable hospitals.”

The DOH said it continues to be on guard for leptospirosis cases in the country.

“The Department of Health is continually assessing the clinical, epidemiologic and logistics situation to effectively respond to the anticipated rise in leptospirosis (cases) after the floods of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced monsoon,” the agency said.

Data from the DOH showed there were 67 cases of leptospirosis recorded nationwide from July 14 to 27. However, the numbers may change with delayed incoming reports.

It also noted that since the start of 2024 until July 27, the total number of recorded leptospirosis cases stands at 1,444, which is 42 percent lower compared to the 2,505 cases in the same period last year.

As for fatalities, 162 deaths due to leptospirosis have been recorded for the same time period this year.

Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, PRC secretary general, meanwhile advised the public to wear “protective gear” if walking through floodwaters cannot be avoided. “Use proper protection, such as boots and gloves, if they need to wade in contaminated water or floodwaters,” Pang said.