DOH logs 39% fewer ILI cases in early October

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded fewer cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the first two weeks of October, with 6,457 cases logged from September 28 to October 11.

This figure is 39% lower than the cases recorded in the previous two-week period and 25% lower than the same period in 2024.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa clarified that the current situation is not a flu outbreak but rather typical seasonal respiratory illnesses.

He emphasized that the rise in cases of cough, cold, and flu is expected and does not warrant a lockdown declaration, which he termed as 'fake news'.

The DOH recommends wearing face masks and staying home when experiencing symptoms to mitigate the spread of ILI.