MANILA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) on Friday noted an increase in water and food-borne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue (W.I.L.D diseases), as the heavy rain has triggered flooding in some areas in the past weeks.

The health department on its social media account urged Filipinos to "practice proper hygiene and self-protection against W.I.L.D diseases."

As of Feb. 1, the DOH recorded a 50 percent drop in flu-like cases, with 9,995 cases compared to 21,340 last year. However, cases rose to 5,150 from Jan. 5 to Jan. 18, doubling the 2,388 cases from Dec. 22, 2024, to Jan. 4 this year.

Leptospirosis cases also increased by 8 percent, with 422 cases reported, up from 392 last year, the DOH said.

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

"The DOH 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 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," said Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. Enditem

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