NKTI reaches full capacity amid leptospirosis surge

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 24, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) has reached full bed capacity amid a rise in leptospirosis cases and a high number of patients seeking emergency care.

In an advisory on Sunday, August 23, NKTI said the surge in leptospirosis cases and overall patient volume in its emergency room had filled available hospital beds.

The hospital said walk-in admissions will be limited until further notice to prioritize patients who need urgent and critical treatment.

Patients seeking elective or non-emergency admission were advised to coordinate with their doctors and consider other hospitals with available beds to avoid long waiting times.

The increase comes after weeks of heavy rains and flooding linked to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

The Department of Health recorded 3,440 leptospirosis cases nationwide as of August 8. While this was 35 percent lower than the same period in 2025, cases increased by 27 percent from July 12 to 25 compared with the previous two-week period.

Health authorities continue to advise the public to avoid contact with floodwater when possible and to seek medical attention after exposure, particularly if symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain or red eyes develop.