Philippines sees slight uptick in influenza-like illnesses in early August, DOH warns of foodborne diseases

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded an increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in the first two weeks of August. An epidemiological report released on Monday showed 5,847 ILI cases from August 2 to 5, a slight rise from the 5,450 cases recorded from July 19 to August 1. The DOH is currently monitoring Western Visayas, MIMAROPA, Central Luzon, and Northern Mindanao due to an observed increase in ILI cases compared to the same period last year. Nationally, as of August 29, the country has recorded 86,113 ILI cases, which is 22% lower than the 110,978 cases recorded in the previous year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ILIs are contagious illnesses caused by various viruses or bacteria that infect the nose, throat, or lungs. Symptoms often include a fever of no less than 38°C and coughs lasting at least 10 days, along with a sore throat, runny nose, headache, chills, body pain, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. WHO notes that seasonal influenza is a common occurrence globally, with most individuals recovering without specific medical treatment. The DOH also provided an update on food and water-borne diseases. From August 2 to 15, 411 cases of acute bloody diarrhea were recorded, a 15% increase from the 358 cases between July 19 and August 1. Year-to-date, from January 4 to August 29, the country has logged 6,456 cases of acute bloody diarrhea, a 32% decrease compared to the same period last year. Cholera cases saw a 40% increase, with 28 cases recorded from August 2 to 15, up from 20 cases in the preceding two-week period. However, the total number of cholera cases this year (428) is significantly lower than last year's 1,283. In contrast, typhoid fever cases decreased, with 590 cases recorded from August 2 to 15, down from 740 cases between July 19 and August 1. Despite the overall decrease, an increase in typhoid fever cases was observed in the Bicol Region, Davao Region, and Metro Manila compared to last year. The cumulative number of typhoid fever cases from January 4 to August 29 stands at 10,708, a notable decrease from 18,014 cases in the same period last year. The DOH continues to urge the public to practice good hygiene and consume safe food and water to prevent the spread of these diseases. —LDF, GMA News