By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday appealed to residents to heighten their guard against illnesses commonly associated with the rainy season after city health authorities recorded an increase in influenza-like infections and continued monitoring of dengue, leptospirosis, water-borne diseases, and COVID-19.
During his “Talk to the People” online program, Domagoso introduced what he called “WILD” diseases—Water-borne diseases, Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Dengue—as he urged the public to adopt preventive health practices amid persistent rains and flooding.
The warning came after the Manila Health Department (MHD), led by Officer-in-Charge City Health Officer Dr. Grace Padilla, reported at the city’s regular executive meeting that influenza-like illnesses have been on the rise in recent weeks.
City health records as of Aug. 3 showed 845 cumulative influenza-like illness (ILI) cases since the start of the year, alongside 2,105 dengue cases, 111 leptospirosis cases, and 77 confirmed COVID-19 infections.
“Kanina pong umaga during our regular directional meeting, may ulat po sa atin na medyo nag-uptick po ’yung influenza-like illness. ’Yan ’yung mga trangkaso, kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ubo, pagsipon, and so on and so forth,” Domagoso said.
Despite the recorded COVID-19 cases, the mayor assured residents that infections remain under control and are being closely monitored by city health officials.
“Meron din tayong mga nakumpirmang COVID-19, pero nasa manageable level naman ho at ligtas naman po sila,” he said.
Domagoso reminded the public that waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and acute gastroenteritis become more prevalent during the rainy season, while leptospirosis continues to threaten people exposed to floodwaters contaminated by animal urine, particularly rat urine.
He urged residents to observe proper hygiene by washing their hands frequently, practicing self-isolation when experiencing flu-like symptoms, and seeking medical attention when necessary to prevent further transmission.
“Dalasan po natin ang paghuhugas ng kamay. Kung kayo po’y may sakit, iiwas ninyo ang inyong sarili sa inyong mga kaanak para naman po’y hindi na ito maisalin,” the mayor said.
He also advised the public to avoid wading through flooded streets whenever possible, stressing that floodwaters remain one of the primary sources of leptospirosis infection.
“Iwasan ho natin ’yung mga kalsadang may baha, isa ’yan sa mga challenges ng ating bansa ngayon dahil marami talagang nakararanas ng pagbaha, hindi lamang po dito sa Maynila,” Domagoso said.
To strengthen disease prevention efforts, the city government has made Doxycycline available at Manila City Hall, government hospitals, and health centers for residents who may have been exposed to contaminated floodwaters.
The mayor likewise encouraged residents to voluntarily wear face masks in enclosed public places, even though their use is no longer mandatory, to help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Domagoso said protecting one’s health also means protecting one’s livelihood, noting that many workers—particularly those under “no work, no pay” arrangements—face financial hardship whenever illness prevents them from reporting for work.
The city government said it will continue intensifying disease surveillance, public health information campaigns, and the distribution of preventive medicines as part of Manila’s rainy season preparedness program aimed at safeguarding the health of its residents.
ia/xf
