Workers spray water-based insecticides in a community at Barangay Old Balara in Quezon City on August 22, 2024, to combat mosquitoes that cause dengue fever. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Department of Health reminded the public to maintain proper hygiene amid the upward trend of W.I.L.D diseases (Water and food-borne diseases, Influenza-like illnesses, Leptospirosis, and Dengue) as the country experiences increased rainfall and thunderstorms.

The DOH monitored an increase in influenza like illnesses from the period of January 5–18 5,150 cases compared to 2,388 cases from December 22–January 4.

The DOH said leptospirosis cases also went up by 8%, with 422 cases reported, up from 392 last year.

The health department urged the public to seek medical attention if exposed to floodwater, even if there are no wounds, as symptoms may appear from an average of two weeks but up to 30 days later. 

Dengue cases are also on an upward trend with 28,234 cases as of February 1, representing a 40% increase from the previous year. This mirrors the 8% increase from January 5 to 18 with 15,088 cases, compared to the 13,980 cases reported in the previous period of December 22, 2024 to January 4, 2025. 

Despite the upward trend of Dengue cases, the DOH logged a decrease in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) as of February 1 with a CFR of 0.35%, compared to last year’s higher CFR of 0.42% in the same period. 

The DOH continues to remind the public to seek early consultation, search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, use self-protection by applying anti-repellant lotions and wearing long sleeves and pants when possible, and support fogging in hotspot areas.

“The Department urges the public to seek early medical consultation to ensure timely treatment and prevent complications if you experience any symptoms of W.I.L.D diseases like fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea," said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.