Department of Health Advises Public to Take Proactive Measures Against Influenza-Like Illnesses and Wild Diseases

Strategic Insights -

The Department of Health (DOH) continues to advise the public to take proactive steps against Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILIs) and wild diseases that are common during the rainy season. The DOH is in the process of procuring influenza vaccines through an ongoing bidding process. Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa urges the public to eat well, stay active, and get vaccinated against ILIs. The DOH has recorded a total of 102,216 cases of ILIs in the country from January 1 to August 24, 2024, which is 18 percent lower than the 125,153 cases reported during the same period last year. However, there has been an increase in cases over the last three to four weeks, consistent with the ongoing rainy season.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DOH has recorded a total of 102,216 cases of ILIs in the country from January 1 to August 24, 2024, which is 18 percent lower than the 125,153 cases reported during the same period last year.
  • There has been an increase in cases over the last three to four weeks, consistent with the ongoing rainy season, with all regions except Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao showing an increase in cases in the recent four weeks.
  • The 9,491 cases logged July 28 to August 10 is 55 percent higher compared to the 6,124 cases reported from the earlier period July 1 to 27.
  • ILIs are a group of illnesses that present with common symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, colds, body aches, and headaches.
  • The top three causes in the Philippines for ILIs during the reporting period are Influenza A (32.1% of the total), Rhinovirus (31.3% of the total), and Enterovirus (27.6% of the total).
  • Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa advises the public to wash and clean hands often and wear a face mask properly when sick or in crowded conditions to safeguard everyone's health.

Statistics:

  • Total cases of ILIs recorded from January 1 to August 24, 2024: 102,216
  • Percentage decrease in cases compared to the same period last year: 18%
  • Increase in cases in the last three to four weeks: 55%
  • Number of cases logged from July 28 to August 10: 9,491
  • Number of cases logged from July 1 to 27: 6,124
  • Top causes of ILIs in the Philippines during the reporting period:

+ Influenza A: 32.1% (777 cases)

+ Rhinovirus: 31.3% (770 cases)

+ Enterovirus: 27.6% (675 cases)

Sources:

  • Department of Health (DOH)
  • Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa