By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) have significantly declined for two weeks from Nov. 17 to 30, tallying only 3,710 cases.
The DOH earlier recorded 7,971 ILIs from Oct. 20 to Nov. 2, and 7,571 cases from Nov. 3 to 16.
Despite the overall decline, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol Region, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have logged an increase from Nov. 3 to 30 with up to 1,445 new cases in these regions.
The DOH emphasized caution in interpreting the most recent numbers, as case counts may still fluctuate due to delayed consultations and reporting.
“Nevertheless, preventive measures such as frequently washing hands, and wearing face masks when with symptoms like cough or colds will help sustain this trend,” the DOH said.
As of Nov. 30, the country has logged 165,992 influenza-like illness cases, or 17 percent lower compared to the 200,525 cases reported during the same period last year.
The DOH commended the collaborative efforts of its regional offices, local government units, and health partners in helping keep ILI cases manageable nationwide. (PNA)
