DOH cites upward trend in W.I.L.D cases, calls for self-protection

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Philippine News Agency

FILE: Commuters are stranded at the center island as motorists ply through gutter-deep flood along Taft Avenue in Manila on Thursday (July 13, 2023). (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday urged the public to observe proper hygiene and self-protection against water and food-borne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue (W.I.L.D. diseases).

This as the country experiences increased rainfall and thunderstorms due to the shear line, intertropical convergence zone, and easterlies, increasing the risk of weather-induced diseases.

The DOH recorded a 50-percent drop in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) cases from Jan. 1 to Feb. 1 with 9,995 cases compared to 21,340 for the same period last year.

However, cases rose to 5,150 from Jan. 5 to 18. This is double of the 2,388 cases from Dec. 22 to Jan. 4.

Leptospirosis cases also increased by 8 percent, with 422 cases reported as of Feb. 1. Only 392 cases were reported for the same period last year.

“Due to current weather patterns, the public is urged 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,” the DOH said.

As for dengue, a total of 28,234 cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to Feb. 1. This figure represents a 40-percent increase in cases for the same period in 2024.

“Despite the upward trend of dengue cases, the DOH logged a decrease in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) as of Feb. 1 with a CFR of 0.35 percent, compared to last year’s higher CFR of 0.42 percent in the same period,” the DOH said.

It reminded the public to seek early medical consultation to ensure timely treatment and prevent complications in case of W.I.L.D diseases symptoms like fever or feeling feverish or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It also urged everyone to search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, use self-protection by applying anti-repellant lotions, wear long sleeves and pants when possible, and support fogging in hotspot areas.