There were fewer cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) this year compared to last year, but the incidence appeared to be picking up over the past weeks, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The DOH reported a total of 102,216 ILI cases in the country from Jan. 1 to Aug. 24, 2024, representing an 18-percent drop from 125,153 cases during the same period in 2023.
However, DOH saw an increase in cases over the last 3-4 weeks, consistent with the ongoing rainy season.
The DOH advises the public to take proactive steps against ILIs and the other water and food-borne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue that are common during the rainy season.
The DOH said all regions except Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have shown an increase in cases over the past four weeks. The 9,491 cases logged from July 28 to Aug. 10 was 55 percent higher compared to the 6,124 cases reported from the earlier period of July 14 to 27.
ILIs are a group of illnesses that manifest common symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat, colds, body aches, and headaches. The top three causes in the Philippines for this reporting period are influenza with 777, rhinovirus with 770, and enterovirus, 675.
The DOH is in the process of procuring Influenza vaccines with the bidding process ongoing, the submission and opening of bid is on Friday, Sept. 6.
“As the rainy season continues, we encourage the public to take proactive measures against Influenza-like Illnesses. Eat well, stay active, and get vaccinated. Wash and clean hands often, and wear a face mask properly when sick or in crowded conditions to safeguard everyone’s health. These same measures protect against many other illnesses. Let us keep our case counts low,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
