Health Manila Hospitals Overwhelmed as Leptospirosis Cases Surge

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Photo courtesy of Inquirer

 

Manila's hospitals are reaching breaking point as a surge in leptospirosis cases, spurred by recent flooding, places a severe strain on the city's healthcare system. Mayor Isko Moreno sounded the alarm on Friday, highlighting the burden on Ospital ng Maynila in Malate.

 

Addressing the media, Mayor Moreno described an increasingly dire situation in Manila's hospitals as leptospirosis cases climb. “Our emergency room was overloaded this morning because of leptospirosis,” Moreno stated, pointing to the overcrowded conditions at Ospital ng Maynila where 69 patients await treatment, most linked to flood-induced infections.

 

Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease often contracted through contact with water contaminated by animal urine, has spiked following the recent floods. The flooding, exacerbated by the southwest monsoon—locally known as habagat—and tropical cyclones such as Crising, Dante, and Emong, has left several roads submerged, creating a breeding ground for the disease.

 

The crisis isn’t confined to Malate. Ospital ng Sta. Ana is also grappling with a similar swell in patient numbers. Mayor Moreno described "overflowing" facilities and "congested" emergency rooms, with patients compelled to wait in dire conditions.

 

“We have a situation wherein people are still waiting, but they are sick. Most incidents are related to flooding and infections with leptospirosis,” Moreno emphasised, illustrating the broader impact of the natural events on Manila's health infrastructure.

 

To manage the outbreak, the local government is urging patients to seek treatment at other medical facilities including San Lazaro Hospital and Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Santa Cruz, Philippine General Hospital in Ermita, and Tondo Medical Center.

 

Healthcare professionals are working tirelessly to control the situation, but resources are stretched thin. Mayor Moreno's appeal for public cooperation underscores the urgent need for relief measures and public awareness to curtail the spread of the disease.

 

The financial cost of the response is yet to be fully calculated, but the health department continues to emphasise preventative measures, such as avoiding wading through floodwaters and seeking immediate medical help if symptoms, including fever and muscle pain, arise.

 

As Manila battles this health crisis, the swift response from local services and hospital staff remains crucial. The city's resilience will be tested in the coming days, with community efforts vital in overcoming this challenge.

 

While the situation is critical, it highlights the importance of infrastructure improvements and effective disaster management strategies to mitigate similar occurrences in the future. The urgency of addressing environmental and public health issues in the wake of natural disasters cannot be overstated.

 

As the city rallies together, residents are reminded to remain vigilant and heed medical advice to stay safe.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Inquirer 2025-08-08