Staffing shortage plagues NKTI to treat rising leptospirosis cases

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday urged patients with leptospirosis to seek treatment in other hospitals apart from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute due to lack of staff.

In a public advisory, the DOH said it was assessing the clinical, epidemiologic, and logistics situation "to effectively respond to the rise in leptospirosis cases" after the floods of Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

"The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) is currently treating several confirmed and probable leptospirosis cases," the DOH said.

"To allow for prompt management, doctors and their suspect or probable leptospirosis patients are hereby advised to divert to nearby equally capable hospitals," it added.

Earlier, the NKTI converted its gymnasium into a ward to attend to leptospirosis patients.

About 48 cases were confined in the hospital as of Aug. 8.

Meanwhile, 10 more patients are waiting for confinement in the hospital's emergency room due to lack of sufficient medical staff.

On Wednesday, the DOH said only 67 cases of leptospirosis were reported from July 17 to 24.

However, the increase in cases is expected due to delays in reports as the leptospirosis virus has an incubation period of two to 30 days.

From Jan. 1 to July 27, 1,444 cases with 162 deaths have been recorded or 42 percent lower compared to the 2,505 cases in the same period last year.

"For coordination and referral of leptospirosis patients in Metro Manila, please contact the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development," the DOH said. (PNA)