In a reassuring health update from the central Philippines, Mandaue City Hospital has reported no confirmed cases of leptospirosis despite conducting multiple patient tests. This positive development comes amid ongoing concerns about the waterborne disease during the rainy season.
Hospital Testing and Patient Management
According to Dr. Ligaya Lakambini Dargantes, the hospital's chief, all samples submitted for leptospirosis testing have returned negative results. "Thankfully, none of the patients we tested have turned out positive for leptospirosis," Dargantes stated in her November 19, 2025 announcement.
The medical facility currently lacks the capability to perform Leptospira testing onsite, requiring them to send samples to private hospitals for analysis. Despite this limitation, the hospital continues to effectively manage patients presenting with potential symptoms.
Treatment Protocols and Medication Availability
Mandaue City Hospital employs a symptom-based approach to patient care while awaiting confirmatory test results. Doctors rely on clinical assessment to determine appropriate treatment, using what medical professionals call a "clinical eye" to evaluate symptoms.
The hospital maintains Doxycycline as the standard medication for suspected leptospirosis cases, with Azithromycin serving as an alternative when needed. Dr. Dargantes assured the public that there is currently no shortage of Doxycycline at the facility.
Coordinated Healthcare Response
Dargantes highlighted the complementary roles between the City Health Office and the hospital in managing potential cases. While both follow the same clinical system, the City Health Office benefits from its community-based position, enabling quicker initial response to patients.
Patients can access care through either facility, with the hospital's Outpatient Department prepared to handle direct arrivals. The coordinated system ensures that patients requiring hospitalization, such as those showing signs of dehydration, receive timely referrals to appropriate care facilities.
