With infections on the rise, the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, Feb. 14, urged the public to take extra precautions against influenza-like illnesses (ILI), dengue, and leptospirosis, linking the surge in cases to ongoing weather disturbances.

The increase in cases comes amid frequent rainfall and thunderstorms caused by the shear line, Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and easterlies, which create ideal conditions for disease transmission.

Data from the DOH showed that while ILI cases have declined by 50 percent year-on-year—from 21,340 cases in 2024 to 9,995 cases in 2025—there has been a sharp rise in recent weeks. 

From January 5 to 18, cases surged to 5,150, more than double the 2,388 cases recorded from Dec. 22 to Jan. 4, the health department added.

Per the agency, it is working with international health organizations to assess whether the increase remains within expected seasonal flu trends. 

The DOH also cited a health advisory from the Philippine Embassy in Japan, warning Filipinos about the spike in influenza cases there, though Japan has since reported a decline. 

No major flu outbreaks have been observed in Southeast Asia, it added.

Meanwhile, the agency said dengue cases have risen by 40 percent, with 28,234 infections recorded as of Feb. 1. 

From Jan. 5 to 18 alone, cases increased to 15,088, marking an eight percent jump from the previous two-week period. 

Despite this upward trend, the health department noted that the dengue case fatality rate (CFR) has dropped to 0.35 percent, an improvement from 0.42 percent last year.

The DOH said leptospirosis cases have also climbed by eight percent, reaching 422 cases from 392 last year. 

The agency urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if exposed to floodwater, even without visible wounds, as symptoms may take two to 30 days to appear.

With this, DOH Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa told Filipinos to remain vigilant.

“The Department urges the public to seek early medical consultation to ensure timely treatment and prevent complications if you experience any symptoms of W.I.L.D (Water and food-borne diseases, Influenza-like illnesses, Leptospirosis, and Dengue) 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,” Herbosa said.

Preventive measures

In response to the rising cases, the DOH has urged the public to take proactive measures to prevent infection, emphasizing the importance of early medical consultation at the first sign of flu-like symptoms.

Seeking medical attention promptly can help ensure timely treatment and prevent complications, particularly for individuals at higher risk.

The health department also stressed the need to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by removing stagnant water in and around homes.

Standing water, even in small containers, can serve as a breeding site for mosquitoes that spread dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

To further reduce the risk of mosquito bites, the agency encouraged people to use insect repellent and wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, especially in areas where dengue cases are high.

As such, the DOH called for supporting fogging operations in high-risk areas where dengue outbreaks are occurring.

While eliminating breeding sites is the primary method of mosquito control, targeted fogging in hotspot areas can help reduce mosquito populations and limit disease transmission.

The public was also reminded to practice frequent handwashing with soap and water to prevent the spread of viruses.

Proper hand hygiene is essential in reducing the transmission of influenza-like illnesses and other infections that can spread through contaminated surfaces or close contact with infected individuals.