DOH: Cases of influenza-like ailments decline in first 8 months of 2024

Facade of the Department of Health office in Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines —  The total number of influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) in the country for the first eight months of the year has decreased compared to the same period in 2023, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

In a statement on Thursday, the DOH said there were a total of 102,216 ILIs from January 1 to August 24, which is 18 percent lower than the 125,153 cases in the same period last year.

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However, the DOH noted there has been an increase in cases over the past three to four weeks in all regions except in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

It said the 9,491 cases recorded from July 28 to August 10 is 55 percent higher than the  6,124 cases reported from the earlier period July 1 to 27.

According to the department, ILIs are a group of illnesses that present common symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, colds, body aches, and headaches.

The top three causes of ILIs in the country for this reporting period are: influenza A (777, 28.5 percent); Rhinovirus (770, 28.2 percent); and enterovirus (675, 24.7 percent).

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“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, as quoted in the statement.

The DOH said it is now procuring vaccines for influenza through a bidding process.