The Philippines is confronting a growing public health threat as heavy rains and widespread flooding drive a surge in influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue cases across the country. Health maintenance organization (HMO) leader PhilCare sounded the alarm after observing a sharp increase in disease-related claims from its members, warning that these infections could intensify further with the onset of the expected La Niña phenomenon later this year.
According to PhilCare’s latest internal data, gathered from clients nationwide, the combination of persistent monsoon rains, poor sanitation, and overcrowded public transport systems has created “a perfect storm” for the spread of infectious diseases. The company’s medical team reported steep rises in pneumonia and influenza-like illnesses, alongside notable increases in leptospirosis and dengue cases—underscoring how extreme weather is compounding existing public health risks.
From a total of 11,597 flu and pneumonia-related claims, the majority of cases were reported in urban areas. Region IV-A (CALABARZON) accounted for 32.91% of all reported infections, followed closely by the National Capital Region (NCR) with 31.40%. Together, these two regions represent nearly two-thirds of the nationwide total.
“What we’re seeing is not just a seasonal flu outbreak, but a convergence of environmental, infrastructural, and public health factors that are creating ideal conditions for multiple infections to spread simultaneously,” according to Dr. Eilyn Evora-Ayuste, PhilCare Medical Director.
She noted that the heavy rains and flooding since June have increased exposure to respiratory illnesses due to cooler and damp conditions. Meanwhile, stagnant floodwaters have provided breeding grounds for mosquitoes and pathways for leptospirosis infection. The Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) has forecasted a 70% probability of a La Niña event from October 2025 to February 2026, which could bring heavier rainfall, cooler temperatures, and higher rates of respiratory and waterborne diseases.
PhilCare’s data further reveal that 73% of flu and pneumonia cases involved dependents—mainly children and elderly individuals under the care of principal members—highlighting the vulnerability of these age groups. “Our data shows that it’s not just the workers getting sick, but their families, particularly children and elderly parents who may have weaker immune systems,” Dr. Ayuste added. “This affects both household health and workplace productivity, as employees take time off to care for them.”
Other regions with notable case concentrations include Region III (14.40%), Region XI (5.38%), and Region VI (4.81%). PhilCare’s medical experts identified several contributing factors to the surge: poor sanitation in flood-stricken areas, overcrowded public transport, limited access to preventive care, and lower temperatures that allow viruses to survive longer.
“When you combine crowded jeepneys and buses with people soaked from the rain and unable to practice proper hand hygiene, you create the perfect environment for respiratory viruses,” Dr. Ayuste explained. “Add to that the reality that many Filipino workers can’t afford to stay home when they feel unwell, and you have an ideal environment for community transmission.”
To mitigate these risks, PhilCare is urging corporate clients to revisit workplace health policies by offering flexible work-from-home arrangements for symptomatic employees, improving health education programs, and expanding vaccination coverage for influenza and pneumococcal diseases.
The company also promoted its telemedicine platforms — DigiMed and DigiMed PLUS — as safe, cost-efficient alternatives for non-urgent consultations. “Telemedicine allows members to get medical advice without exposing themselves to other illnesses in clinics or hospitals, and without contributing to further spread. This is about breaking the chain of transmission and easing pressure on healthcare facilities,” Dr. Ayuste said.
Citing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PhilCare emphasized that flu vaccines can reduce ICU admissions by up to 82% and hospitalizations by 40%, while pneumococcal vaccines remain 60–70% effective in preventing invasive infections.
“Despite strong evidence of vaccine effectiveness, we continue to see low uptake among Filipino employees — partly due to cost concerns and lack of awareness. We’re urging employers to see vaccination as a strategic investment in workforce health and business continuity, especially as we head into several months of challenging weather,” per Dr. Ayuste.