DOH adds more leptospirosis fast lanes

Eight provincial hospitals of the Department of Health (DOH) have opened leptospirosis fast lanes in response to the ongoing threat of the disease following consecutive floods since July.

This brings the total leptospirosis fast lanes to 27 across the country.

In fast lanes, assessments are made to determine whether the patient needs to be admitted to the hospital or not, according to the Health department.

This is also where the patient's risk level is checked to determine whether a prescription for the correct use of doxycycline is given.

As of 12 August, leptospirosis fast lanes are operational in the following hospitals: 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, and Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

Fast lanes are also operational in 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, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Region 1 Medical Center, Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital, Bataan General Hospital, Mariveles Mental Hospital, Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, Talavera General Hospital, and Batangas Medical Center.

A total of 2,396 cases of leptospirosis have been recorded since 8 June, a week after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration declared the start of the rainy season.

Leptospirosis is a serious infection from wading in floodwaters contaminated with rat or animal urine.

Leptospirosis symptoms include fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches, particularly in the calves and back. Some individuals may also experience red eyes, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rash.

In more severe cases, leptospirosis can lead to jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes, kidney failure, meningitis, and lung problems.