Leptospirosis Surge Overwhelms Philippine Hospitals
- Maja Montelibano
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
Recent weeks have seen a startling surge in leptospirosis cases across the Philippines, straining healthcare facilities and causing growing concern among health authorities.
Hospitals Hit Capacity
From June 8 to August 7, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 2,396 leptospirosis cases nationwide. In response, 19 DOH hospitals in Metro Manila, including East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City, National Children's Hospital, Lung Center, and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, have implemented dedicated "fast lanes" to expedite diagnosis and treatment.
Published reports note that emergency rooms are exceeding capacity, with hospitals like the Philippine General Hospital and San Lazaro Hospital experiencing significant overcrowding from moderate to severe leptospirosis admissions .
A Perfect Storm: Floods & Rodents
The onset of the rainy season—amplified by Habagat (southwest monsoon) and three tropical cyclones—has led to widespread flooding. These conditions have facilitated the spread of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through water or soil contaminated by animals, particularly rodents . Common symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, and red eyes, which often appear days or even weeks after exposure .
Prevention Starts With Awareness
In response, the DOH has urged the public to:
Thoroughly wash and clean their bodies, especially after flood exposure
Stay alert to symptoms and seek immediate medical advice—even if asymptomatic
Only take antibiotics like doxycycline under a physician’s guidance
PestPro PH: Your Expert Partner in Pest Management
As a leading authority in pest control, PestPro PH is deeply invested in safeguarding lives and public health—especially during critical outbreaks like this.
Why Leptospirosis Highlights the Need for Comprehensive Pest Control:
Leptospirosis is often spread via rodent activity during floods.
Hospitals are already under pressure; preventing outbreaks through proactive sanitation and pest control is essential.
By managing rodent populations and sanitizing flood-prone sites, PestPro PH helps reduce the burden on healthcare facilities and keeps communities safer.
How PestPro PH Can Help:
Rodent Control & Sanitation: Targeted pest abatement in sensitive environments—hotels, residential buildings, construction sites—minimizes the risk of disease spread.
Flood-Response Action Plans: Rapid-deployment teams to assess post-flood pest risks and implement urgent control measures.
Health-First Strategies: Professional use of safe treatments and PPE to protect both clients and service teams.
Partner with PestPro PH—your reliable ally in pest management, especially when every measure counts. Let’s help keep your property safe, healthy, and rodent-free during these challenging times.
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