MANILA, Philippines — The San Lazaro Hospital in Manila has reported an increase in deaths due to leptospirosis, with 31 fatalities recorded this year.
From the 24 deaths reported on Sept. 10, the fatalities went up to 27 on Sept. 14, and further increased to 31 four days after.
According to the hospital, 15 new leptospirosis cases were recorded for admission yesterday. It also recorded an overall admission of 747 patients.
Of the new cases, one is in the intensive care unit and six are undergoing hemodialysis.
Infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante earlier said the most common cause of death is pulmonary hemorrhage.
Solante, head of San Lazaro’s adult infectious diseases and tropical medicine department, said pulmonary hemorrhage occurs when there is bleeding in the lungs.
The Department of Health said 8,317 leptospirosis cases were recorded nationwide, a 14-percent increase from last year’s 7,280 cases.