CASES of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) continue to rise, based on data of the Department of Health (DOH)
The DOH Disease Surveillance Report said 171,067 ILI cases were recorded from January 1 to October 28, or 49 percent higher than the 114,536 ILI cases recorded during the same period as last year.
ILI is a case of fever with cough or sore throat that is not due to any other known cause.
The DOH has said ILI cases are expected to increase towards the end of the year amid cooler weather during the “amihan” season.
In late October, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration announced the start of the northeast monsoon season, which means the gradual cooling of the temperature.
The health department previously said the higher number of ILI cases this year may be attributed to less focus given to COVID-19, and strengthened surveillance efforts for the other diseases as the country shifts focus from COVID-19.
Having the highest number of ILI cases is the Davao region with 25,137 cases; followed by Northern Mindanao with 22,520 cases; and Central Visayas with 21,398 cases.
Seeing the biggest spike in cases from 2022 are Zamboanga Peninsula (321%; 1,945 to 8,193), National Capital Region (98%; 5,042 to 10,000), and Central Visayas (97%; 10,862 to 21,398).
