Despite an eight percent drop in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases nationwide compared to the same period last year, the Department of Health (DOH) is urging local and institutional authorities to proactively implement preventive measures to keep infections under control.
The DOH emphasized that such precautions remain prudent, especially as flu activity tends to rise with seasonal changes.
“At the national level, the number of influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) is lower than last year thus far,” said DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.
From January 1 to September 27, a total of 121,716 ILI cases were recorded, down from 132,538 during the same period in 2024.
“Mas mababa ng eight percent ngunit alam natin na kapag ganitong panahon nagsisimulang tumaas ’yan [influenza-like illnesses],” Domingo noted in a radio interview, citing the typical uptick in cases during cooler months.
Earlier, the Department of Education suspended face-to-face classes in all public schools across Metro Manila from October 13 to 14 to allow for disinfection, sanitation, and building inspections following a spike in ILI cases and recent earthquakes. (Jel Santos)
