DOH warns of rising ILI, dengue, leptospirosis cases due to weather disturbances

On Friday, February 14, 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a warning about rising cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI), dengue, leptospirosis, and foodborne diseases due to ongoing weather disturbances.

Data from the DOH shows that ILI cases dropped by 53% between January 1 and February 1 but surged recently with 5,150 cases reported between December 22, 2024, and January 18, more than double the previous period.

The DOH noted an upward trend in dengue cases, which rose to 28,384 infections as of February 1, marking a 40 percent increase from last year’s figures. Despite this rise, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) decreased to 0.35% compared to 0.42% in the same period last year.

Dengue cases have risen by 8%, with 422 leptospirosis cases reported, an increase from last year’s figures. Health officials advised individuals exposed to floods to seek medical attention even without visible wounds due to delayed symptoms.

DOH Secretary Teodoro 'Ted' Herbosa urged Filipinos to seek early medical consultation for symptoms of W.I.L.D diseases (Water and food-borne illnesses, Influenza-like illnesses, Leptospirosis, and Dengue) to prevent complications and emphasized preventive measures such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and frequent handwashing.

The DOH recommended additional preventive measures including using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, covering one's mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces in public spaces.