More beds set for lepto cases
MANILA, Philippines — With leptospirosis cases surging amid floods brought by monsoon rains, the Department of Health (DOH) has ordered state hospitals to ensure the availability of extra beds.
“We still have 42 beds available at DOH hospitals in Metro Manila,” Health Secretary Edwin Mercado said yesterday.
“If there is a surge, (private hospitals) should utilize their 10 to 15 percent no-balance billing beds,” he added.
An inter-hospital referral system is being enforced to prevent overcrowding, he noted.
Thirty-three state hospitals have established leptospirosis fast lanes to provide immediate aid to patients, the DOH said.
Cases are expected to increase further since leptospirosis has an incubation period of five to 15 days, the agency pointed out.
As of Aug. 22, the DOH has recorded 4,285 leptospirosis cases – a 37 percent decrease from 6,839 cases in the same period last year.
Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon posted the highest number of cases.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said hospitals in the city are overwhelmed.
Eighty-nine new infections were reported yesterday, he said.
Up to 389,000 capsules of doxycycline are available to leptospirosis patients, Moreno said. – Andrew Ronquillo
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