Flu-like illness cases up 45% in 2023, says DOH

Influenza-like illness cases so far in 2023 are 45% more than those registered over the same period in 2022, the Department of Health has said.

According to the DOH, 151,375 ILI cases have been registered as of October 13. Over the same period in 2022, the country had 104,613.

“Also, in the recent 3-4 weeks (September 3-16, 2023), ILI cases have increased by 26% compared to the reported cases two weeks prior,” the DOH said.

DOH earlier confirmed that cases of influenza and COVID-19 have been increasing due to temperature changes over the rainy season.

The agency said the increase in communicable disease infections was expected during the rainy season and colder months “due to proliferation of viruses.”

DOH said it was implementing a “strict” monitoring of cases as it anticipated ILI cases to further rise in the coming months.

“Higher number of cases in 2023 compared to the previous year is observed in most diseases under surveillance which could be attributed to the efforts in strengthening the surveillance for the other diseases as we shift our focus from COVID-19,” the DOH said. —NB, GMA Integrated News