Flu-like illness cases in Eastern Visayas up 25% compared to 2022

Eastern Visayas map. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

TACLOBAN CITY — Cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in Eastern Visayas have increased by 25 percent.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 10,186 cases from January 2023 to December 2 or 25 percent higher than the 8,130 cases recorded over the same period of last year.

Health officials attributed the surge of ILI to the rainy weather in the region in the past months.

At least 21 persons died due to the influenza-like illnesses, lower by two compared to last year of the same period.

With the rise in cases, the DOH has asked the public to take extra precautions for them not to catch the ailment.

“We somehow anticipated that the cases would increase because we have experienced heavy rains (in the past weeks),” said Jelyn Malibago, the regional information officer of the DOH in Eastern.

She advised the public to wear face masks, wash hands properly, and seek early medical assistance, if needed.

The symptoms of ILI include fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, and headache.

Malibago said the DOH was conducting flu and pneumococcal vaccinations as part of the precautionary measures.

She said those 18 years and above are qualified to receive the flu vaccine, while persons 45 years old and above are qualified for the pneumococcal inoculation.

Malibago said they have 150,000 vials of the vaccine which is equivalent to 1,500 persons.

“We hope our people will take advantage of these vaccination programs. We also distributed vaccines to rural health units. Let’s protect ourselves,” she said.

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