Influenza-like illness (ILI) cases across the country are eight percent lower this year compared to the same period in 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) bared.
“At the national level, the number of influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) is lower than last year thus far,” Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, the spokesperson of the DOH, said.
He said a total of 121,716 ILI cases were recorded nationwide from Jan. 1 to Sept. 27, which is lower than the 132,538 cases registered during the same period in 2024.
“Ang bilang noong 2024 hanggang September 27 ay 132,538. Ngayong 2025 hanggang September 27, 121,716 (The number as of September 27, 2024 was 132,538. This 2025, as of the same period, it is 121,716),” Domingo said in a radio interview.
He noted that despite the decline in cases, influenza activity often increases around this time of year as temperatures change.
“Mas mababa ng eight percent ngunit alam natin na kapag ganitong panahon nagsisimulang tumaas ’yan [influenza-like illnesses] (It’s eight percent lower, but we know that around this time of year, influenza-like illnesses usually start to rise),” said Domingo.
Domingo said it was a prudent move for local and institutional authorities to implement preventive measures to keep infections under control.
“It is sound precaution for local and institutional health authorities to practice preventive measures to keep the numbers down,” the DOH spokesperson said.
Earlier, the Department of Education ordered suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools in Metro Manila from Oct. 13 to 14, to allow for disinfection, sanitation, and building inspections following a spike in influenza-like illnesses and earthquakes.