By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Manila has declared an epidemic condition for leptospirosis after the number of new cases in the capital breached the city’s epidemiologic threshold, triggering intensified measures by the local government.
Manila OIC-City Health Officer Dr. Grace Padilla reported the development to Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Monday morning, saying the continued rise in infections had placed the city under an “epidemic condition.”
Data from the Manila Health Department (MHD) showed the city’s attack rate for leptospirosis jumped to 3.48 percent, up sharply from 1.27 percent just a week earlier.
The increase signals a rapid acceleration in cases within a short period, according to Padilla.
The growing number of patients has also strained the city’s health facilities, with several district hospitals already reaching full capacity.
Among the hospitals affected are Ospital ng Maynila, Sta. Ana Hospital and Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, which have been dealing with the continuing influx of patients.
Following the MHD briefing, Domagoso ordered city government agencies to intensify the campaign against leptospirosis, particularly in communities hit by flooding in recent weeks.
The city government will step up its public information drive to ensure residents know that free doxycycline capsules are available at all 44 health centers and seven district hospitals operated by the city.
Domagoso stressed that the local government must take the initiative in reaching residents affected by the floods rather than waiting for them to seek assistance.
Through the MHD and the city’s 896 barangays, the government will bring information and doxycycline distribution closer to communities exposed to floodwaters.
The intensified response is focused on residents who may have been exposed to contaminated floodwaters, amid the heightened risk of leptospirosis following flooding.
The city government’s measures include wider public information efforts and the deployment of health personnel and barangay officials to affected communities.
With the attack rate rising from 1.27 percent to 3.48 percent in only one week and several hospitals already at full capacity, Manila’s health authorities are now treating the leptospirosis surge as an epidemic condition requiring an intensified citywide response.
ia/xf
