NKTI turns gym into ‘leptospirosis ward’ as cases rise | ABS-CBN
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NKTI turns gym into ‘leptospirosis ward’ as cases rise
NKTI turns gym into ‘leptospirosis ward’ as cases rise
MANILA — The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) said Friday it needed more staff following a rise in cases of leptospirosis, two weeks after parts of Metro Manila were submerged in floods from the Carina-enhanced monsoon rains.
MANILA — The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) said Friday it needed more staff following a rise in cases of leptospirosis, two weeks after parts of Metro Manila were submerged in floods from the Carina-enhanced monsoon rains.
The hospital’s gymnasium has been activated into a leptospirosis ward, where 90 percent of patients are said to be on dialysis – an indication of the advanced stage of the disease, according to NKTI’s Deputy Executive Director Dr. Romina Danguilan.
The hospital’s gymnasium has been activated into a leptospirosis ward, where 90 percent of patients are said to be on dialysis – an indication of the advanced stage of the disease, according to NKTI’s Deputy Executive Director Dr. Romina Danguilan.
“Yesterday, we had 28 new patients with severe leptospirosis that came. That’s why we don’t have enough wards anymore. We still have to admit all our other patients needing other management. That’s why we have had to convert our gym into a lepto (leptospirosis) ward,” she said.
“Yesterday, we had 28 new patients with severe leptospirosis that came. That’s why we don’t have enough wards anymore. We still have to admit all our other patients needing other management. That’s why we have had to convert our gym into a lepto (leptospirosis) ward,” she said.
In the last two weeks alone, Danguilan said two patients died from complications.
In the last two weeks alone, Danguilan said two patients died from complications.
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The NKTI expects the number of leptospirosis patients to increase as the rainy season brings more potential floods.
The NKTI expects the number of leptospirosis patients to increase as the rainy season brings more potential floods.
“We already have this agreement with the DOH. I’m sure other hospitals are also going to be in need. We want to ask for augmentation for 20 staff nurses and 10 internal medicine doctors to help us to monitor these patients,” Danguilan said.
“We already have this agreement with the DOH. I’m sure other hospitals are also going to be in need. We want to ask for augmentation for 20 staff nurses and 10 internal medicine doctors to help us to monitor these patients,” Danguilan said.
From July 14-27 – the period of relentless rain and flooding in Metro Manila and nearby areas – the Department of Health logged 67 cases of the disease. It said cases could still increase due to delayed reports.
From July 14-27 – the period of relentless rain and flooding in Metro Manila and nearby areas – the Department of Health logged 67 cases of the disease. It said cases could still increase due to delayed reports.
Since January, the agency has recorded 1,444 cases of leptospirosis, which is still 42 percent lower than the 2,505 cases from January to July 2023.
Since January, the agency has recorded 1,444 cases of leptospirosis, which is still 42 percent lower than the 2,505 cases from January to July 2023.
Health experts have repeatedly warned the public to seek consultation following exposure to floodwater and take prophylaxis to avoid contracting the disease that can cause kidney failure, acute pancreatitis or lung hemorrhage.
Health experts have repeatedly warned the public to seek consultation following exposure to floodwater and take prophylaxis to avoid contracting the disease that can cause kidney failure, acute pancreatitis or lung hemorrhage.
The DOH urged the public to be mindful of the symptoms of leptospirosis, especially those who waded through flood or contaminated waters, including mud.
In an infographic, the DOH enumerated leptospirosis symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, body pain, chills, jaundice, rashes, and eye redness.
"Kung ikaw ay makaranas ng mga sintomas na nabanggit matapos mapunta sa kontaminadong tubig o putik, mahalagang magpatingin agad sa doctor o pumunta sa pinakamalapit na ospital upang makakuha ng angkop na gamutan," the agency said.
The incubation period of leptospirosis may range from 2 to 30 days. Symptoms usually appear around 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to flood waters, the agency said in a press release.
– With a report from Arra Perez, ABS-CBN News
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