Facade of the Department of Health office in Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reported a decline in cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and dengue nationwide from Jan. 1 to Feb. 1.
In a radio interview, DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said a total of 9,995 cases of ILI have been logged as of Feb. 1 鈥� a 53 percent drop from 21,340 cases recorded for the same period in 2024.
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Six deaths were recorded, which is lower compared to 33 deaths recorded for the same period in 2024.
鈥淜ahit ang overall numbers ay 53 percent lower than 2024, may nakikita kaming trend na tumataas, hindi naman siya alarming, but we have to remind ang ating mga kababayan, 鈥榶ung advisory ng DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) para sa mga pumupunta ng Japan, applicable rin sa atin (Even if the overall number is 53 percent lower than 2024, we see an increasing trend, not alarming, but we have to remind our fellowmen, DFA鈥檚 advisory for those going to Japan, is applicable to all Filipinos),鈥� Domingo said.
He advised everyone to wash hands properly, wear face masks, cover their mouths when coughing, and rest at home when experiencing symptoms of flu.
He also confirmed the advisory of the Philippine Embassy concerning the increase in influenza cases in Japan.
鈥淚nisyu ito ng DFA pero sinusuportahan ng DOH. Yung kanilang paalala ay base sa datos (The DFA issued this, but the DOH supports it. Their advisory is based on data.),鈥� he said.
鈥淲ala namang outbreak na sinasabi sa Japan, pero nakita ng ating epidemiology bureau鈥umataas ang bilang ng mala-trangkasong sakit, influenza-like illnesses sa Japan (There is no outbreak announced in Japan, but the epidemiology bureau sees [an] increase in influenza-like illnesses in Japan).鈥�
ILI cases in Japan increased starting November 2024 but have started going down in January, which is a trend during winter.
Domingo urged Filipinos traveling to Japan to follow the DFA鈥檚 advisory.