OLONGAPO CITY, (PNA) — The number of leptospirosis deaths in the city went up to six while 175 others were afflicted with the disease two weeks after the massive flooding hit the city and nearby areas.
This was confirmed by Dr. Jesse Lewel Manuel, hospital administrator of the James Gordon Memorial Hospital, who said the five fatalities were all from this city while the other one is from Subic, Zambales.
Manuel said that out of the 175 leptospirosis patients, 117 are still being treated at the hospital while the others already went home.
He said they have run out of space to accommodate the rising number of leptospirosis patients who started to arrive since Saturday.
He also said that some patients are placed in the beds provided by the Philippine Red Cross along the corridors.
City mayor Rolen Paulino has asked the assistance of PRC chairman Richard Gordon and the Department of Health (DOH) to respond to the growing number of leptospirosis cases in Olongapo.
He said that the most number of leptospirosis cases came from Barangay Sta Rita which was badly hit by massive flooding.
Aside from this city, he said, the other leptospirosis cases were from Subic who were admitted in the mentioned hospital.
Manuel asked the residents that if they suffer any of the symptoms of leptospirosis, they should get in touch with their respective health center or go straight to the hospital so they can be given proper medication and care.
Meanwhile, the city health office, together with barangay health unit is now monitoring the situation in the barangay levels.
The city mayor said they are now conducting a house-to-house drive to give information materials and prophylactic medicines to the residents.