San Lazaro Hospital Records 22 Leptospirosis Deaths; Health Officials Urge Enhanced Hygiene

MANILA, Philippines —The San Lazaro Hospital (SLH) in Manila has recorded a total of 22 deaths due to leptospirosis, latest data as of Sept. 7 showed. As of Friday, there were four admissions for leptospirosis while overall admissions stood at 591. Of the 22 deaths, 72.7 percent were associated with pulmonary hemorrhage. At a forum on leptospirosis organized by the Philippine College of Physicians yesterday, infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante pointed out that as to mortality associated with leptospirosis, the most common cause of death is pulmonary hemorrhage. “There is bleeding in the lungs,” said Solante, head of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Department at SLH. He said deaths usually peak on the first two days of admission. “Most of the cases we encounter are already in the severe form. These are those coming from other hospitals and it took several hours before they were transferred to San Lazaro or even days for others who came from distant places, that’s why their condition is very severe already,” Solante said. He noted that the peak of these types of patients’ stay in the hospital is one to two days. “Despite the aggressive measures we undertake, there is that point of irreversibility, that’s that’s why they die,” he said. To prevent leptospirosis, SLH reminded the public to avoid wading in floodwaters, wash body parts exposed to floods with soap and clean water, keep surroundings clean and free from rodents, drink clean water and eat well-cooked food and consult a doctor immediately if experiencing symptoms. Earlier, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that as of Aug. 29, 6,253 leptospirosis cases have been recorded in the country. It warned that infections may surge as another wave of cases could be experienced in two weeks following the flooding brought by heavy rains on Aug. 29 to 30. Leptospirosis, which is caused by the bacteria leptospira, happens through direct contact with the urine of infected animals such as rats and pigs, or with a urine-contaminated environment such as floodwaters.