Influenza-like illnesses in QC exceed ‘epidemic threshold’ as cases hit 152
The number of influenza-like illnesses in Quezon City has gone beyond the “epidemic threshold” with 152 cases reported from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13, up by 24.5 percent compared to the 122 cases registered in the previous two-week period (Aug. 17 to Aug. 30).
The epidemic threshold refers to the epidemiologic value used to determine whether an infectious disease will spread widely or die out. It also indicates the level of incidence above which a disease requires an urgent response.
In a Facebook post, the Quezon City Epidemiological and Surveillance Division (QCESD) said that a total of 1,560 influenza-like illnesses, including three fatalities, were recorded in the city from Jan. 1 to Sept. 13, a 40.7-percent increase compared to the same period last year.
“The cases ranged in age from 23-day-old to 94 years old, with a median age of 8 years. Among them, 145 were males and 129 were females,” it added.
The highest number of cases (78) was recorded in District 4, accounting for 28.4 percent of the total number of influenza-like illnesses.
Cases by barangay
By barangay, Batasan Hills reported the most cases at 16 (5.8 percent), followed by Commonwealth with 12 cases (4.3 percent), Culiat with nine (3.2 percent), and Socorro with eight (2.9 percent).
In another social media post on Monday, the QCESD warned the public against WILD diseases— which stand for waterborne ailments, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis and dengue— that are very common during the rainy season.
Influenza-like illnesses, in particular, include flu, fever, cough and body aches.
The QCESD noted that out of 217 people who contracted influenza-like illnesses in the city, the most common pathogens were influenza A or the flu, followed by rhinovirus which causes the common cold, and enterovirus which is associated with hand, foot and mouth disease.
It urged individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms to promptly seek medical consultation at the nearest health center or hospital.
Containing the spread
“Symptomatic individuals are advised to stay home and refrain from attending school or work until fully recovered to prevent further transmission,” it added.
The QCESD also urged other local agencies to intensify community health awareness campaigns about influenza-like illnesses and promote proper hygiene and respiratory etiquette such as washing hands and wearing masks when experiencing cough and colds.
At the same time, it encouraged high-risk groups, including children, elderly, pregnant women and individuals with chronic illnesses, to get vaccinated against influenza.
