DOH warns of rising WILD diseases

The Department of Health (DOH) is warning of an upward trend in W.I.L.D. diseases, which include Water and food-borne diseases, Influenza-like illnesses (ILI), Leptospirosis, and Dengue.

ILI cases more than doubled to 5,150 by January 18, up from 2,388 recorded between December 22, 2024, and January 4, 2025.

Despite a year-on-year decrease in ILI cases, the DOH recorded a 50 percent drop with 9,995 cases compared to 21,340 last year.

Leptospirosis cases rose by 8% to 422, up from 392 cases in early 2024, and the DOH advises seeking medical attention if exposed to floodwater, as symptoms can manifest up to 30 days later.

Dengue cases have reached 28,384 as of February 1, marking a 40% increase from the previous year, with an uptick also observed in January compared to December 2024.

Despite the increase in dengue cases, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has decreased to 0.35% as of February 1, compared to 0.42% during the same period last year.

The DOH is coordinating with international partners regarding the increase in ILI cases and has been informed by the Philippine Embassy in Japan about advisories on rising influenza cases there.