Flu-like cases soar by 55% on July 28-Aug. 10, DOH says

The influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) cases in the country increased to more than 9,000 by the end of July until the first week of August, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday amid the ongoing rainy season.

Based on DOH’s latest data, a total of 9,491 cases were recorded from July 28 to August 10, which was 55% higher compared to the 6,124 cases logged from July 14 to 27. 

Meanwhile, there were 5,006 cases recorded from August 11 to 24, but there may be late reports coming, said DOH.

All regions except for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) had an increase in ILI cases over this period. 

All in all, 102,216 ILI cases were reported in the country from January 1 to August 24. This was 18% lower than the 125,153 cases during the same period last year. 

ILIs are a group of illnesses that present with common symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, colds, body aches, and headaches. 

The top three causes of ILIs in the Philippines during this reporting period were Influenza A (777, 28.5%); Rhinovirus (770, 28.2%); and Enterovirus (675, 24.7%), according to DOH. 

The agency said that it is in the process of procuring additional influenza vaccines. 

It has also cautioned the public against the spread of diseases that may become prevalent during the rainy season. These diseases were called "WILD," which stands for Water and food-borne diseases; Influenza-like illnesses; Leptospirosis; and Dengue. —VAL, GMA Integrated News