Case increase of flu-like illnesses in PH slowing down — DOH

MANILA, Philippines — Cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the country are now beginning to decrease, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Saturday.

According to its latest data, the DOH said a total of 182,721 ILI cases have been reported in the country.

“Case increase is starting to slow down,” the DOH said, noting that only 10,242 cases were reported from the last two weeks (October 15 to 28), which is 20 percent lower than the cases in previous weeks.

The DOH said the decline in cases will continue in the coming weeks but is expected to rise again by the start of January.

READ: Cases of flu-like illnesses start to plateau, says DOH

Increases in ILI cases are expected and can be attributed to the rainy season, according to the health department.

The DOH said suspected cases of ILI are also reported to its epidemiology bureau for continued surveillance.

This development comes as there was a reported uptick in respiratory illness among children in China.

The DOH said it has asked its Chinese counterparts for more details on this.

READ: PH also asks Beijing for details on flu cases