The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday noted an increase in influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) as the country experiences increases rainfall and thunderstorm.

As of 1 February, the DOH recorded a 50 percent drop in ILI cases, with 9,995 cases compared to 21,340 last year.

However, cases rose to 5,150 from 50 to 18 January, doubling the 2,388 cases from 22 December to 4 January.

Despite the year-by-year decrease in ILI cases, the DOH has also monitored an increase of two times in the period of 5 to 18 January with 5,150 cases, compared to the 2,388 cases logged in the previous period of 22 December to 4 January.

The DOH said it is also in close coordination with international partners to assure that this increase is not in excess of expected cases with the annual flu season.

The DOH also noted that it was informed by the Philippine Embassy in Japan of an advisory reminding Filipinos to take precautions with the rise of influenza cases.

In the last week of December 2024, Japan reported a high level of influenza cases, however, cases started to decline in January 2025 and there has been no current report of a flu outbreak in neighboring southeast asian nations.

Other WILD diseases

The Health department reminded the public to practice proper hygiene and self-protection against water and food-borne diseases, ILIs, leptospirosis, and dengue (WILD) diseases as the country experiences increased rainfall and thunderstorms due to the shear line, intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), and easterlies increasing the risk of weather-induced diseases.

Leptospirosis cases also increased by eight percent with 422 cases reported, up from 392 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.

Dengue cases are also on an upward trend with 28,234 cases as of 1 February, representing a 40 percent increase from the previous year.

This mirrors the eight percent increase from 5 to 18 January with 15,088 cases, compared to the 13,980 cases reported in the previous period of 22 December 2024 to 4 January.

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

The DOH reminded 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 public is also advised to practice proper handwashing with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces in public places.

"The Department urges the public to seek early medical consultation to ensure timely treatment and prevent complications if you experience any symptoms of WILD 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," Health Chief Ted Herbosa stressed.