DOH: 72,735 cases of flu-like illness logged

MANILA, Philippines — The country has recorded over 72,000 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI), the Department of Health (DOH) said.

DOH data showed that from Jan. 4 to Aug. 1, there were 72,735 ILI cases reported.

This is a 23-percent decrease from the 94,399 cases reported in the same period last year.

The DOH however noted that the case trend is increasing, with 4,466 cases reported in the recent 3 to 4 weeks (July 5 to July 18), one percent higher than the 4,442 cases reported two weeks prior (June 21 to July 4).

A total of 38 deaths were reported – this is 16 percent lower than the 45 deaths last year.

Northern Mindanao recorded the highest number of cases with 12,895 followed by Calabarzon with 10,578, and Davao Region with 7,396.

Central Visayas and Ilocos Region reported 7,100 and 4,527 ILI cases, respectively.

More than half of the cases were males (36,904 or 51 percent).

Meanwhile, the most affected age group were children 5 to 14 years of age (16,929 or 23 percent).

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

As a form of protection against flu, health experts are reminding the public to avail of flu vaccines.

The World Health Organization has emphasized that vaccination is still expected to protect against severe illness and prevent hospitalization.