Leptospirosis Cases Surge at San Lazaro Hospital, Totaling 149 in Recent Weeks

MANILA — San Lazaro Hospital (SLH) has reported a sharp increase in leptospirosis cases, with the total reaching 149 in just the past one and a half weeks. This spike represents a significant rise compared to the hospital’s typical rate of two to three cases per month.

According to Philippines News Agency, head of Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Diseases at SLH, during an interview with Bagong Pilipinas on Wednesday, eight of the recent cases have been fatal, affecting individuals between 28 and 45 years old. He noted the severity of the infections, which often lead to complications such as kidney or renal failure and pulmonary hemorrhage, substantially increasing the risk of mortality.

The patients, ranging in age from 19 to 69 years old, reportedly contracted the bacteria mostly by swimming or wading in floodwaters without proper prophylaxis. Over 60 percent of these cases present moderate to severe symptoms, including headache, body pain, calf pain, red eyes, high fever, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, loss of appetite, jaundice, vomiting, and nausea.

Dr. Solante explained that the incubation period for leptospirosis can range from five days to two weeks after exposure to contaminated water. He emphasized that while the disease can be severe, it is treatable with antibiotics and supportive care such as intravenous fluids and oxygen. Most severe cases require a hospital stay of seven to ten days.

In response to the outbreak, SLH has opened new wards specifically for leptospirosis patients to provide focused treatment and manage the increased number of referrals.