DOH: fewer flu-like cases in first 2 weeks of October
The Department of Health (DOH) has logged fewer cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the first two weeks of October, reiterating that there is no outbreak nor a need for a lockdown.
In a segment on dzMM Teleradyo, Health Promotion Bureau Director Tina Marasigan said that a total of 6,457 cases of ILI were recorded in the country from Sept. 28, 2025, to Oct. 11, 2025.
“This is 39% lower than the 10,740 cases logged from Sept. 14 to Sept. 27, 2025,” she said.
She said that the latest cases were 25% lower than the 8,628 cases recorded from the same period in 2024. However, she said that the figures may still change due to continuous surveillance.
In a press briefing on Friday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that the DOH has no plans to implement a lockdown in the country due to the ILI.
“There is no planned lockdown; that is fake news. What we have is the seasonal respiratory illnesses, so it’s not a flu outbreak. We do not have a flu outbreak,” Herbosa said.
Herbosa also noted that the ILI, or diseases like cough and flu, spreads fast during the rainy season. Meanwhile, he said that the agency recommends wearing face masks or staying at home for those who have caught ILI.
With this, the DOH then reminded the public of the following:
- Regular handwashing using clean water and soap
- Cover mouth or nose when sneezing or coughing
- Get enough sleep, eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water
For those who have symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat and body ache, the following must be observed:
- Stay at home to prevent spreading the disease
- Take medicine like paracetamol for fever
- Consult a doctor or go to the nearest health center
The Department of Education-National Capital Region last Sunday noted the increase of ILI cases among learners and the recent earthquakes that struck the country.
With this, it announced the suspension of face-to-face classes from Oct. 13 to Oct. 14 “to provide time for disinfection, sanitation, and building inspection” in all public schools in Metro Manila.
