MANILA, Philippines — The Manila city government has declared a leptospirosis epidemic after the number of new cases surpassed the epidemiologic threshold, the Manila Public Information Office said on Monday.
Manila OIC-City Health Officer Dr. Grace Padilla earlier reported to Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso that the city has reached epidemic level due to the rising number of leptospirosis cases.
Data from the Manila Health Department showed that the city’s attack rate increased to 3.48 percent from 1.27 percent the previous week, indicating a sharp rise in cases over a short period.
Several city government district hospitals have also reached full capacity amid the continued influx of patients, including Ospital ng Maynila, Sta. Ana Hospital and Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital.
The mayor ordered an intensified campaign against leptospirosis, including heightened public information on the availability of free doxycycline capsules in 44 health centers and seven district hospitals.
The city government also plans to mobilize the Manila Health Department and its 896 barangay to reach residents affected by flooding in recent weeks and distribute doxycycline to those who may have been exposed to leptospirosis.
