Leptospirosis hits Olongapo City after massive flooding

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines - Five deaths have been recorded and 125 cases of leptospirosis have been diagnosed at the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital a week after massive flooding hit the city.

Dr. Gewel Manuel of the hospital said that at around 4 p.m. Monday, victims diagnosed with leptospirosis swamped the emergency room.

“Most of them are complaining about fever and our initial diagnosis is leptospirosis,” Manuel said.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino has requested assistance from the Philippine National Red Cross headed by former Senator Richard Gordon.

“They have already sent more than 20 beds, volunteers, ambulances to help us in this situation,’ Paulino said.

Manuel  said most of the victims are male and added that the illness is likely caused  by the recent flood that hit the city.

“Most of the victims came from barangay Sta Rita, which was heavily flooded last week,” Manuel said.

Manuel  added that the Olongapo City Hospital has the
capacity to control any epidemic outbreak.

Representatives from the Department of Health has been coordinating with  local officials about the matter.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino in his Facebook page appealed to residents suffering symptoms of the disease to  get in touch with their respective health officers or  go straight to the hospital so they can be given proper medication and care.

The city health office together with barangay health unit are now monitoring the situation in the barangay levels and handing out information materials and medicine in case they diagnose anyone with leptospirosis. - Anthony Bayarong