Doxycycline, used in treating leptospirosis, is readily available amid the surging number of patients afflicted by the bacterial infection weeks after the severe flooding in many areas in Luzon, the Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday said
DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, quoted by GMA News, said: “There is an adequate supply of doxycycline available in our public health centers for free.”
Doxycycline is prescribed both as a prophylaxis and treatment for leptospirosis. Currently, a price freeze is in effect for this drug until September 23. According to Domingo, stocks of doxycycline declined in some regions, but half a million capsules are set to be released to the department.
Domingo however, clarified that suspected leptospirosis cases need to consult first with a doctor and obtain a prescription for the drug. The official
emphasized doxycycline cannot be used on pregnant women and children 12 years old and below.
The official also said patients should consult a doctor, who will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic based on the patient’s physical condition.
The DOH earlier said the country’s health system can handle the rising number of leptospirosis cases, as the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) reaches full capacity.
Domingo also called on those who waded through floods amid the typhoon and Southwest Monsoon to immediately consult with a healthcare professional.
Meanwhile, leptospirosis cases at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila rose to 57 on Saturday, after it admitted 23 more patients overnight from across Metro Manila and from nearby provinces.
The hospital said that while it still has not reached the 65-bed capacity in its leptospirosis wards, it is running out of medical staff to run them.
“Dr. Princess Petallana, a fellow at the hospital’s Adult Infectious Diseases unit, said: “We don’t have enough nurses. We have been pulling out staff from other departments but there aren’t enough people.”
Medicine is also in short supply. In case more severe patients would need to undergo dialysis, Petallana said that would also be a problem.
The hospital only has four hemodialysis machines and only three nurses who can operate them.
The Department of Health (DOH) said that it is ready to send additional equipment, health workers, and medicine to struggling medical facilities.
But it noted that patients don’t need to flock to hospitals like San Lazaro and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, which is also getting overwhelmed with leptospirosis cases, as there are a lot of other hospitals that may also cater to them.
Domingo further said NKTI is not the only hospital that treats leptospirosis. All hospitals can perform dialysis and can treat leptospirosis.
“May mga kama, may mga nurse at doktor na available sa Metro Manila. Mahalaga lamang na tumawag muna sa telephone number 8531-0037 bago dalhin ang pasyenteng may leptospirosis para alam natin kung saan may bakanteng kama na available,” added Domingo.
The DOH has also released a memorandum directing all hospitals in the National Capital Region to activate their Leptospirosis Surge Capacity Plan in preparation for a possibly bigger surge in cases as the rainy season persists.
