CITY Health Officer Dr. Rachel D. Dilla warned residents of rising ‘Wild’ cases — an acronym for Water-borne diseases, Influenza-like illnesses (ILI), Leptospirosis, and Dengue — as the rainy season continues from July to October.
During an online press briefing, Dilla said these diseases tend to surge when weather and temperature fluctuate.
The city already recorded a spike in acute gastroenteritis cases in September, a common water-borne disease marked by vomiting and diarrhea.
As of October 18, the City Health Office logged 1,454 ILI cases since January, with women making up 52 percent of patients. Symptoms include fever, cough, colds, and fatigue.
To curb infections, Dilla urged residents to wear face masks, observe cough etiquette, wash hands frequently, and get vaccinated — especially senior citizens, who are more vulnerable to ILI.
However, she admitted it has been challenging to convince older adults to get their shots.
“Si lola og si lolo, si auntie, si uncle, mga gahi og ulo medyo gamay, dili jud magpa vaccine,” Dilla said.
Those who catch ILI, she added, should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and stay home.
“This is a virus, and incubation is about one to four days,” she said, noting there is no specific medicine for viral infections.
She added: “A strong immune system is the best defense.”
Whether an outbreak qualifies as an epidemic or public health emergency, Dilla said, is determined by the Department of Health.
“It also depends on the population,” she added.
Dilla also cautioned residents not to ignore signs of dengue.
“Sa una, mga three to four days pa ang fever mabasa if Dengue, karon, in one to two days, down na dayon atong mga platelets,” she said.
Residents experiencing fever should visit the nearest health center for a free dengue test and treatment, Dilla said.
“Please visit the health center, for we have a test to check whether your fever is Dengue, or if it’s not, it’s probably flu,” she said.
Dilla urged residents who are not feeling well to visit the nearest health center, where free medicines are available.
She added that the department now has 34 doctors, up from 16 last year, to strengthen universal health care services.
For assistance, the City Health Office hotline is 0938-210-6107.
