No flu-like illness outbreak; Quezon restores masking

MANILA, Philippines — Cases of influenza-like illnesses in the first two weeks of October are 39 percent lower compared to the same period in 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) said yesterday.

From Sept. 28 to Oct. 11, the agency recorded 6,457 cases of influenza-like illnesses nationwide, lower than last year’s 8,628.

No outbreak of flu-like symptoms has been observed and wearing face masks is not required in Metro Manila, the DOH maintained.

The provincial government of Quezon has however reinstated the mandatory use of face masks due to a significant rise in influenza-like illnesses.

In Quezon, 2,604 cases of influenza-like illnesses have been recorded as of Oct. 14 – a 130-percent increase compared to 1,130 cases in the same period last year, according to provincial health officer Dr. Kristin Mae Villaseñor.

Severe acute respiratory illness cases are at 2,453, which is 3.5 percent higher than last year’s 2,370, the provincial epidemiology and surveillance unit noted.

Health Assistant Secretary Alberto Domingo said local government units are empowered to determine public health measures appropriate for their areas.

“There is no unusual or new virus or strain circulating,” he pointed out.

Provincial hospitals are experiencing overcapacity, with Quezon Medical Center accommodating 600 patients despite an authorized bed capacity of 200, Villaseñor stressed.

“The overcrowding is mainly caused by the increasing number of influenza-like illness cases, along with other medical conditions,” she explained.

Reinstating a December 2023 COVID-19 prevention measure, Quezon Gov. Angelina Tan has directed residents to wear face masks in all indoor spaces and crowded outdoor areas, such as markets, where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

The DOH has advised the public to keep their hands clean and wear face masks since it is flu season.

Metro Manila Council president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said there is no reason yet to mandate the wearing of face masks in the capital.

“In San Juan last week, we had two days of class suspension following the directive of the Department of Education, but honestly, we had no cases of flu-like illness,” he said. — Michelle Zoleta, Mark Ernest Villeza