Hospital Reports Significant Uptick in Leptospirosis Cases
The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City has issued an advisory confirming a notable increase in patient referrals for leptospirosis. The hospital management reported on Saturday, November 22, 2025, that it is receiving more cases, including those classified as moderate to severe, with a significant number originating from the southern part of Negros Occidental.
Admission Numbers and Hospital Response
As of the advisory date, CLMMRH has admitted a total of eight leptospirosis patients. This figure marks a substantial departure from the hospital's historical data, which typically recorded zero to two cases per month. In response to this surge, the hospital management has announced that it will prioritize severe leptospirosis referrals. To manage the influx effectively, dedicated wards for both adult and pediatric patients are being established to ensure safe, appropriate, and timely medical care.
The management has advised all referring facilities to coordinate closely with the CLMMRH Operations Center (OpCen) and to adhere to proper patient coordination and transfer protocols. As the Apex Hospital of the Negros Island Region, CLMMRH reaffirmed its commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care, especially during such surge situations. The hospital also requested the continued understanding and cooperation of the public and referring facilities as it manages bed capacity to ensure timely care for all affected patients.
Context of Emergency Room Renovations
This health alert comes as CLMMRH operates with a temporarily relocated emergency room. The main ER was closed in September 2025 for a P92-million renovation project expected to last three months. Dr. Joan Cerrada, CLMMRH chief, explained that a temporary emergency room with approximately 18 beds has been set up at the outpatient department (OPD) waiting area. Additionally, four to five holding areas at the Mother and Child Building can accommodate 45 to 50 beds.
Patient prioritization follows the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), with categories I-II and trauma cases being prioritized. Stable cases (CTAS 3-5) may be redirected to partner private hospitals when the hospital's capacity is exceeded. The hospital utilizes the Integrated Hospital Operations Monitoring System (IHOMS) bed tracker to match patients with available beds either at CLMMRH or partner facilities. Patients arriving directly at the hospital undergo triage at the temporary ER, and critical cases are admitted immediately if beds are available.
