SANTA CRUZ, Manila — The Department of Health (DoH) is reminding the public to maintain proper hygiene amidst the upward trend of WILD (water and food-borne ailments, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis and Dengue) disease as the country experiences increased rainfall and sporadic thunderstorms due to the continuing shearline affecting Luzon and the Visayas and monsoon rains.

According to DoH spokesperson Dr. Albert Francis Domingo, they have monitored anl significant increase in influenza-like illnesses from the period of January 5 to 18 the current year, recording 5,150 cases as compared to 2,388 cases from December 22, 2024 to last January 4.

Assistant secretary Domingo added that leptospirosis cases also went up by 8 percent with 422 cases reported, up from 392 last year.

Acting on a directive from health secretary Teodoro 'Ted' Herbosa, the health spokesperson urged the public 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.

Aside from leptospirosis, dengue cases likewise showed an upward trend with 28,234 cases as of February 1, representing a 40 percent increase from the previous year. This mirrors the 8 percent increase from January 5 to 18 with 15,088 cases, compared to the 13,980 cases reported in the previous period of December 22, 2024 to January 4, 2025.