Manila Urges Precautions as Rain-Related Illnesses Spike

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno yesterday urged residents to take preventive measures as water-borne, influenza, leptospirosis and dengue (WILD) diseases are on the rise. Data from the city health department showed that influenza-like illnesses increased from 807 on July 23 to 845 on Aug. 3. Moreno attributed the spike in WILD cases to the rainy season. “These illnesses are flu, cough, colds and so on,” Moreno said. He also announced that 77 COVID cases were recorded in Manila, but the situation is manageable. Moreno encouraged residents to wear face masks, especially when in enclosed public spaces. He also advised regular handwashing. “Isolate yourself from your family if you are sick,” Moreno said. Since Jan. 1, the Manila city health department has recorded 2,105 dengue cases, 111 leptospirosis cases, 61 typhoid fever cases and three cholera cases. Moreno urged the public to avoid wading through floodwaters, admitting that flooding is a perennial problem in several parts of Metro Manila. Antibiotic medicine Doxycycline can be requested over the counter at the city hall, hospitals and health centers if residents are exposed to floods, according to Moreno. He stressed the importance of preventing illnesses, especially among the daily wage earners. “When you get sick, especially those who are earning a living, it becomes difficult for those who are ‘no work, no pay’ workers,” Moreno said.