The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Department of Health reported on Friday that there are now 1,027 cases of leptospirosis in Metro Manila. There have been 89 fatalities.

"We expect a lot more cases in Rizal (province) and Calabarzon," said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, referring to areas that remain heavily mired in flood from typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

The bacterial infection comes as a result from contact with flood waters contaminated by the urine of infected rats. The number of leptospirosis cases in all storm-affected areas in the last two weeks has already exceeded the average for one year.

The most number of cases in the Metro came from Quezon City, with 122 infected. 82 cases came from Marikina.

"It's an outbreak there because in 2008, Marikina had zero cases," said Duque.

According to Dr. Eric Tayag of the Department of Health, up to 4,000 people might contract the disease.

Preparations

In preparation, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the deployment of more nurses in stricken areas.

“The Department of Health has been directed by the President to fill more health teams and even to employ additional nurses and health workers under the NARS program to address the problem," said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde.

Public hospitals have also implemented a “no refusal” policy for people infected with leptospirosis.