COVID-19 tents in a hospital in Marikina City are now being used for patients with leptospirosis as cases of the bacterial infection surge after the devastation of Typhoon Ulysses.
Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC) medical director Imelda Mateo said that the spike in the number of leptospirosis cases due to flooding in the city.
According to the medical director, the hospital has already recorded 27 cases related to leptospirosis with several patients still standing by at the emergency room waiting to be admitted.
She added that the hospital will need to refer them to other facilities if the increase in cases continues.
She also urged the residents of Marikina City to take prophylaxis especially among those who have exposure to the flood or mud.
She stressed that those who are experiencing the symptoms of the bacterial infection should be given immediate care.
Leptospirosis is a blood infection caused by a bacteria called Leptospira.
It spreads through the urine of infected animals such as rodents which can get into floodwaters.
Signs and symptoms can range from none to mild (headaches, muscle pains, and fevers) to severe (bleeding in the lungs or meningitis).
More than a week ago, Marikina was drenched in floodwaters after the Marikina River overflowed due to Typhoon Ulysses.
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