CLMMRH to put leptospirosis cases in Negros first

By Glazyl M. Jopson and Dolly Yasa

The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) is prioritizing referrals of severe leptospirosis cases after a sharp rise in infections, particularly from flood-hit southern areas of Negros Occidental.

In a weekend advisory, CLMMRH said it is setting up separate adult and pediatric wards to ensure timely and appropriate care for critical patients.

As the designated apex hospital of the Negros Island Region, CLMMRH recorded 13 leptospirosis cases in October, which rose to 26 from Nov. 1–22 based on weekly data submitted to the Department of Health–Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR).

Public information officer John Michael Gabriel Zaragoza said that as of 3 p.m. Sunday, nine patients were admitted, marking a spike from the usual zero to two cases reported monthly.

Zaragoza linked the surge to flooding caused by recent typhoons that submerged parts of southern Negros Occidental.

He said severe leptospirosis cases require tertiary care, including possible multiple platelet transfusions and hemodialysis, which are unavailable in Level 1 hospitals that lack nephrologists and operate with only 10–25 beds.

“When these smaller hospitals become filled with leptospirosis patients, they cannot accommodate others, and not all cases are referred promptly,” Zaragoza said.

CLMMRH reminded referring facilities to coordinate with its Operations Center and follow proper patient transfer protocols to avoid delays.

Health officials warned that persistent rains and flooding in southern communities have increased exposure to water contaminated by animal urine, the primary source of leptospirosis transmission.

The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to compassionate, high-quality care and appealed for continued public understanding as it manages rising patient numbers and limited bed capacity.

The City Health Office reported seven leptospirosis-related deaths in Bacolod as of September.

Authorities also confirmed an outbreak in the province’s Fifth District and issued an alert urging residents exposed to floodwaters to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.

Fifth District Rep. Dino Yulo urged residents to take the alert seriously and not delay medical consultation.

“This outbreak is a serious concern. I urge all residents, especially those who were submerged in floodwaters, to seek medical consultation at once if they feel any symptoms. Early treatment can save lives,” Yulo said.

“Our district has been through a difficult time after the typhoon. Let us remain vigilant and cooperate with health authorities as we work to contain the spread of leptospirosis,” he added.

Leptospirosis symptoms include high fever, chills, muscle pain, vomiting, headaches, and jaundice, and untreated cases can lead to kidney failure, liver damage, and respiratory distress.