Rise in influenza-like cases slowing down - DOH

Influenza-like cases in the Philippines are still increasing, but at a slower pace, the Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday.

In the last three to four weeks (October 15 to October 28), the DOH recorded 10,242 cases, down 20% from two weeks earlier. 

''However, trends must be interpreted with caution, as cases may still increase with late reports,'' it said.

As of November 11, the country had already logged 182,721 cases of influenza-like illness.

With the exception of Region V, which had 75 cases recorded between October 15 and November 11 (63 of which were reported between October 15 and 28), no region saw a consistent increase between October 1 and November 11.

''Based on the five-year data, the recent rise in ILI cases is expected and can be attributed to the rainy season. Moreover, we anticipate the cases to continue declining in the coming weeks but are expected to rise again by the start of January,'' the DOH said.

The department encouraged the public to employ layers of protection, such as masking, ensuring adequate ventilation, and getting vaccinated. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News