When the rain keeps coming, are you ready for what comes with it?

It doesn’t always take a typhoon to cause flooding. 

Sometimes, it’s the small amounts of rain that keep coming, day after day. On their own, they may not seem like much. But when rain continues over already saturated areas, water can accumulate, drainage systems can become overwhelmed, and flood-prone communities can quickly find themselves dealing with rising water. 

Recent events are a reminder of just how quickly this can happen. On September 9, several parts of Metro Manila experienced flooding amid light to moderate rain with occasional heavier downpours, with some roads in Quezon City reaching waist-deep levels.  

And when the water rises, so can certain health risks.

A growing concern after floods

One of them is leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be acquired through contact with floodwater or soil contaminated by the urine of rats. The risk is greater when contaminated water comes into contact with cuts, wounds, or other openings in the skin. The Department of Health (DOH) continues to remind the public to avoid wading through floodwater whenever possible.  

The numbers show why the concern remains relevant. 

On September 7, the City of Manila declared a leptospirosis epidemic after reported cases surpassed the city’s epidemiological threshold. Just two days later, Manila had recorded 1,094 cases, while Quezon City reported 812 cases as of September 9. 

The situation is not limited to Manila. As of September 3, the Department of Health had recorded 6,253 leptospirosis cases nationwide in 2026. While this was lower than the same period in 2025, cases had surged by 77% during the August 2–15 period compared with the preceding two weeks, prompting intensified monitoring in several regions. 

That makes leptospirosis an important risk to watch especially after flooding, when exposure to potentially contaminated water can increase. 

And there is another reason to stay alert: symptoms do not always appear immediately. The incubation period can range from five to 15 days, meaning someone exposed to floodwater may initially feel fine and only develop symptoms days later.  

The disease we have been dealing with for years

And then there’s dengue.

Unlike leptospirosis, which becomes a particular concern following exposure to contaminated floodwater, dengue is a much more familiar and persistent threat in the Philippines.

Dengue is endemic in the country and the DOH has long recognized dengue as an all-year round disease in the country while the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the Philippines among those where dengue transmission is endemic.

Dengue is not a new rainy-season problem. It is endemic in the Philippines and has remained a recurring public health concern for decades, with substantial numbers of cases reported year after year. 

Historical surveillance illustrates just how established the disease has become in the country. The Philippines recorded more than 125,000 reported cases as early as 2011, and more than 200,000 cases were reported in several years in the following period. WHO has also noted that dengue transmission in the Philippines occurs year-round, with cases typically increasing during the rainy months. 

As of August 15, the Philippines had recorded 128,634 dengue cases in 2026. Although this was 39% lower than the same period in 2025, surveillance still showed a 9% increase compared with the previous two-week period. 

Dengue continues to circulate, continues to affect thousands of Filipinos, and continues to return year after year.

Historical surveillance illustrates just how established the disease has become in the country. The Philippines recorded more than 125,000 reported cases as early as 2011, and more than 200,000 cases were reported in several years in the following period. WHO has also noted that dengue transmission in the Philippines occurs year-round, with cases typically increasing during the rainy months. 

As of August 15, the Philippines had recorded 128,634 dengue cases in 2026. Although this was 39% lower than the same period in 2025, surveillance still showed a 9% increase compared with the previous two-week period. 

Dengue continues to circulate, continues to affect thousands of Filipinos, and continues to return year after year.

How can you stay ready?

Avoid floodwater whenever possible.

If you can take another route or wait for the water to subside, do so. If exposure is unavoidable, wear appropriate protective footwear and keep cuts or wounds covered to reduce the risk of infection.

Clean up after flood exposure.

If you come into contact with floodwater, wash exposed areas thoroughly with clean water and soap. If you develop symptoms after exposure, seek medical attention promptly and let your healthcare provider know about your contact with floodwater.

Know the warning signs.

Leptospirosis can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle or calf pain, vomiting, and red eyes. Dengue may cause high fever, headache, body and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, or rashes. Because symptoms may not appear immediately, don’t ignore unusual symptoms, especially after floodwater exposure.

Keep stagnant water under control.

For dengue prevention, follow the Department of Health’s 4Ts: Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, at Takip. Empty containers that collect water, remove stagnant water, keep areas dry, and cover water containers that cannot be emptied. Small changes around the home can help reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Get the right protection.

Prevention can reduce your risk, but it cannot eliminate every possibility of getting sick or having an accident. Having the right insurance can provide an added layer of financial protection when the unexpected happens. When choosing coverage, understand what it covers, the benefits provided, and the situations where you may be able to use it. 

And there’s more to come. 

As the trusted broker of the Gokongwei Group and the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Unicon is preparing to launch a new insurance program designed to provide added protection against some of the health and accident risks that can come with everyday life, especially during the rainy season. 

Stay tuned for more details. 

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