MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) said there is no need for hospitals to establish express lanes for leptospirosis cases.
“The difference between dengue and leptospirosis cases is that the latter is not as many as the former,” Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo said in an interview Saturday.
During the onset of rainy season when water-borne diseases are prevalent, dengue fast lanes are usually being readied in hospitals as required by the DOH.
The agency also established fast lanes for dengue patients in various hospitals in the midst of the Dengvaxia controversy.
This move seeks to ensure that dengue cases are prioritized and are immediately provided medical attention.
Domingo, however, said the DOH has already directed hospitals to prioritize treatment of suspected cases of leptospirosis especially those displaying symptoms indicating renal problems, difficulty in urinating, organ shutdown and yellowish color of skin and eyes.
“Each leptospirosis patient is really treated as urgent and priority since it has a high mortality rate,” the health official said.
Domingo made the remarks following the declaration of leptospirosis outbreak in 28 barangays in eight cities in Metro Manila.
The rise in number of cases was seen in the last two weeks of June when intermittent rains caused floods.
To date, a total of 454 cases of leptospirosis were recorded in NCR that resulted in 58 deaths. (PNA)
