Manila Hospitals Overloaded Due to Leptospirosis Surge
Manila’s healthcare system faces a critical challenge as hospitals become overloaded amid a surge of leptospirosis cases. Recent flooding triggered by the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones has led to a sharp rise in infections, overwhelming local medical facilities.
Mayor Isko Moreno highlighted the strain during a recent press briefing, noting that the Ospital ng Maynila in Malate is currently overwhelmed by the influx of patients. “Today, this morning, our emergency room was overloaded. This is the effect of leptospirosis,” he said.
Leptospirosis Surge Overwhelms Hospital Capacity
The mayor reported that the hospital is accommodating 69 patients waiting for treatment, most of whom suffer from leptospirosis linked to the recent floods. He emphasized that the flooding has directly contributed to the increase in major cases.
Beyond Ospital ng Maynila, the Ospital ng Sta. Ana is also struggling to manage the growing patient load. “In Ospital ng Maynila, the number of people is overflowing. The facility is being overwhelmed. The same condition is going on in [Ospital ng] Sta. Ana,” Moreno said.
Emergency Rooms Face Severe Congestion
The mayor detailed the critical situation in emergency rooms, describing severe congestion and long wait times. Many patients continue to arrive while already ill, complicating the hospitals’ ability to provide timely care. “Apparently, the emergency rooms are very much congested. We have a situation wherein people are still waiting, but they are sick. And most of the incidents have something to do with the flooding and infections with leptospirosis,” he added.
Alternative Facilities Available for Patients
Local authorities are encouraging residents to seek admission in other nearby hospitals to ease the burden. Options include San Lazaro Hospital and Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Santa Cruz, Philippine General Hospital in Ermita, and Tondo Medical Center.
Flooding from Habagat and Tropical Cyclones Cause Crisis
Recent floods inundated several Manila roads due to the southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat, along with the impact of tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong. These conditions have worsened public health concerns and heightened the risk of leptospirosis infections.
For more news and updates on leptospirosis surge, visit Filipinokami.com.
