Leptospirosis code blue alert for hospitals in Metro Manila

After floods, beware leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that comes from direct contact with water contaminated with the urine of infected rats.  There were about 2,000 cases of leptospirosis after typhoon Ondoy in 2009.  On Thursday, the health department placed all government hospitals in Metro Manila under Code Blue Alert after 20 government hospitals in the area reported 783 leptospirosis cases.  34 people have died.  Code Blue means hospitals should prepare manpower and logistics for between 20 to 50 patients.  The incubation period for leptospirosis is between 5 to 10 days, normally triggered by heavy flooding.  The DOH urges Filipinos who develop a fever after wading in flood water to see a doctor immediately.  If caught in the early stages, an antibiotic can be enough.  If allowed to fester, it could lead to complications like kidney failure.

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