By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has ordered health workers to go door-to-door in flood-hit communities as leptospirosis cases surge following the recent habagat flooding.
The city recorded 89 new cases on August 26, up from 38 the previous day, bringing total new cases for the week to 197. Five patients have died this week.
“Ibaliktad natin yung sitwasyon: na hindi na tayo ang hanapin, tayo na ang humanap sa mga posibleng na-expose sa baha,” Domagoso said during his “Talk to the People” livestream.
He warned that cases could continue rising because leptospirosis may take about two weeks to develop after exposure to contaminated floodwaters.
The city now has 389,000 doxycycline capsules, up sharply from 51,000 on August 24 following donations from the private sector and the Department of Health.
Residents exposed to floodwaters are urged to seek free medical attention at Manila’s 44 health centers and seven district hospitals, even if they have yet to develop symptoms.
Hospital capacity is also under severe pressure. Ospital ng Maynila’s 40-bed emergency room was treating 69 patients Wednesday morning.
The city activated the Manila Infectious Disease Control Center at Santa Ana Hospital, adding 17 beds for leptospirosis patients, while additional hospital wards are being opened.
Domagoso urged residents to watch for fever, severe headache, muscle pain and reddening of the eyes and seek immediate medical attention rather than resorting to self-medication.
“Do not hesitate to miss work because of the income you might lose. Money can be earned again, but it will all be meaningless if it is already too late,” he said.
ia/’xf
