The Department of Health (DOH) is moving fast to fight a growing health danger — leptospirosis — after recent typhoons brought heavy rain and floods to many parts of the country.
On Saturday, the DOH announced that it has opened special “Leptospirosis Fast Lanes” in certain government hospitals. These are priority counters where flood victims can get quick check-ups and treatment without waiting in long lines.
The reason? Leptospirosis cases are rising sharply, and time is critical. The illness can turn deadly if not treated early.
“Para sa mas mabilis na konsultasyon at gamutan ng mga nalubog sa baha, nagbukas ang Department of Health ng Leptospirosis Fast Lanes sa piling DOH Hospitals,” the agency said on Facebook.
(For faster consultation and treatment for flood victims, the DOH has opened Leptospirosis Fast Lanes in select hospitals.)
🚑 Hospitals with Leptospirosis Fast Lanes:
-
San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital
-
East Avenue Medical Center
-
Quirino Memorial Medical Center
-
Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium
-
Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital
-
Philippine Orthopedic Center
-
San Lazaro Hospital
-
Valenzuela Medical Center
-
Tondo Medical Center
-
Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center
-
Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center
-
Rizal Medical Center
-
Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
-
National Children’s Hospital
-
National Center for Mental Health
-
Lung Center of the Philippines
-
National Kidney and Transplant Institute
-
Philippine Children’s Medical Center
-
Research Institute for Tropical Medicine
🩺 What Happens in the Fast Lane?
When a patient arrives, doctors check how serious their condition is and decide if they need to be admitted to the hospital. They also check the risk level of the patient so they can give the right medicine — usually doxycycline, an antibiotic that fights leptospirosis.
⚠ Why This Is Urgent
DOH warns that the number of cases could still increase in the next few days.
“We are only one week from the big floods, and leptospirosis symptoms can appear one to two weeks after exposure. The numbers may still rise,” said DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.
He was referring to the floods caused by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), which was made worse by three tropical cyclones — Crising, Dante, and Emong. Many people had to walk through dirty floodwater to reach their homes or workplaces.
From July 13 to August 6, the DOH recorded 1,272 leptospirosis cases nationwide. Sadly, some patients died, including 13 deaths at San Lazaro Hospital alone.
🦠 What Is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a dangerous bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected animals — especially rats. When floodwater mixes with this urine, it can enter the body through small cuts or wounds, or even through the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Symptoms include:
-
Fever
-
Vomiting
-
Nausea
-
Muscle pain
-
Headaches
If not treated quickly, it can lead to serious illness or death.
The DOH’s message is clear: If you walked through floodwater recently, don’t ignore any symptoms. Get checked immediately. These new Fast Lanes could save lives.
