The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, June 30, called on local government units (LGUs) across the country to take immediate action to prevent a potential surge of water-borne illnesses, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue, or “WILD” diseases, as the rainy season sets in.

DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo underscored that LGUs play a critical frontline role in protecting communities from outbreaks, not only by preparing hospitals but also by mobilizing preventive campaigns on the ground.

“Isa ito sa gusto naming banggitin na ang engagement, ang pakikipagtulungan sa LGU ay napakahalaga (This is one thing we want to emphasize, that engagement and cooperation with LGUs is very important),” he said during an interview with state-controlled PTV-4. 

Domingo explained that many key actions, such as sanitation drives, cleanup campaigns, and community reminders, fall under LGU jurisdiction. 

He highlighted how local officials and barangay-level responders are essential in spreading public health messages and enforcing preventive measures.

“Pero ang magpapaalala, sino ang mag-rerekurida, ano iyong rekurida, iyong naka-megaphone, tapos umiikot sa paligid ng barangay o kaya kung nasa siyudad ka naman, iyong mga nagpapatakbo ng mga social media pages… importanteng paalalahanan sila (But who reminds the people? It’s the ones who go around with megaphones in the barangays, or in cities, those who run local social media pages… it’s important they keep reminding people).”

Currently, the health department is monitoring WILD diseases as floodwaters, poor sanitation, and stagnant water heighten risks in many regions. 

The DOH spokesperson warned that simple preventive measures, like checking water lines, proper waste disposal, and handwashing, are often overlooked.

“Iyong water-borne, ito po iyong mga puwede nating maiwasan na pagdudumi, pagtatae dahil iyong tubig natin baka mamaya kontaminado, lalo na sa panahon ngayon na madalas ang ulan at nagbabaha (Water-borne illnesses, like diarrhea, can be prevented if we’re cautious about water sources, especially now that it’s rainy and there’s frequent flooding),” said Domingo. 

He advised households to inspect their pipes and boil drinking water to avoid contamination.

“Kung may duda pakuluan ang tubig ng dalawang minuto para patay ang mikrobyo bago inumin at gamitin ang tubig (If in doubt, boil water for two minutes to kill germs before drinking or using it),” he said.

As such , Domingo reminded the public that the DOH continues to implement its outbreak response protocol for dengue, including the use of NS1 test kits and the activation of fast lanes in hospitals. 

But he clarified that these must be adopted by LGU-run hospitals as well.

“So iyong mga bagay tulad ng fast lane, kasi ang DOH ginagawa namin ay para sa DOH hospital, pero mayroon din tayong mga LGU hospitals, so dapat ginagawa rin ito (So things like fast lanes, we implement them in DOH hospitals, but there are also LGU hospitals, so they should do it too),” he said.

The DOH assured the public that supplies like IV fluids and hydration kits are in place, and medical staff are equipped to respond. However, Domingo stressed that prevention at the community level remains the first line of defense.