San Lazaro Hospital in Manila has seen its emergency department overwhelmed, operating at 300 to 500 percent of its standard capacity following a severe surge in leptospirosis cases linked to flooding caused by the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat.
Medical Center Chief Dr. David Suplico raised alarms over the influx of patients, indicating that the facility is nearing its physical limits.
“Currently, many leptospirosis patients are waiting in our express lane. Our emergency room is now operating at around 300% to 500% of its capacity,” Suplico stated.
The facility is actively managing 87 leptospirosis admissions, with 26 patients listed in critical condition due to severe health complications, including acute respiratory distress and requirements for emergency dialysis.
Health authorities also confirmed three fatalities connected to the bacterial infection between August 19 and August 22.
Suplico expressed deep concern regarding the rapid timeline of patient admissions relative to the typical incubation period of the disease, which usually ranges from two to 30 days.
“This is somewhat alarming. Usually, the incubation period of leptospirosis is between two and 30 days,” he noted.
“We usually see the peak of leptospirosis within two weeks after exposure. That would be two weeks from Aug. 17. What we are seeing now is a continued increase in admissions,” Suplico added.
San Lazaro Hospital officials confirmed they are expanding surge preparations to accommodate an anticipated wave of additional patient admissions in the coming days.