Flu-like illness cases in Oriental Mindoro down 21%

Despite a recent uptick in patients showing flu-like symptoms due to the rainy season and changing weather, the number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in the province remains lower than last year’s figures, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported. INQUIRER FILES

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Despite a recent uptick in patients showing flu-like symptoms due to the rainy season and changing weather, the number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in the province remains lower than last year’s figures, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported.

PHO chief Dr. Cielo Ante said that while hospitals and rural health units have noted an increase in admissions for cough, colds, fever, and muscle pains — typical symptoms of ILI — the total number of cases is still 21 percent lower compared to 2024.

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“Based on data gathered from all MESOs (Municipal Epidemiologic Surveillance Officers) and HESOs (Hospital Epidemiologic Surveillance Officers), the numbers are still lower than the 2024 recorded data. Comparing morbidity weeks, or the same time period last year and this year, the numbers are actually lower,” Ante said in a message on Thursday.

The province has recorded 511 ILI cases this year, down from 644 cases during the same period in 2024.

Ante urged the public to continue observing health advisories from the Department of Health (DOH) and the PHO to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

“We have sent all our recommendations to the Department of Education (DepEd) and to hospitals regarding influenza-like illnesses and, at the same time, reiterated the need for continuous diligence in promoting the 4S Habit, since the rainy season is also dengue season,” Ante said.

“Our Public Health Services–Surveillance unit is monitoring trends closely together with the DOH,” Ante added.

Based on a heat map shared by the PHO, the municipalities of Victoria, San Teodoro, Gloria, Pola, Bongabong, Bansud, Roxas, and Calapan City recorded slight increases in ILI cases. Meanwhile, the towns of Puerto Galera, Baco, Naujan, and Pinamalayan showed a decline.

The municipality of Socorro recorded the most significant jump, from zero cases last year to 126 cases this year.

No deaths related to influenza-like illness have been reported, according to the PHO./coa