MANILA, Philippines — More than 65,000 cases of influenza-like illness have been recorded nationwide, the Department of Health (DOH) reported yesterday.
Citing its latest disease surveillance report, the DOH said 65,859 cases were reported from Jan. 1 to May 13.
This is 114 percent higher compared to the 30,728 cases reported during the same period last year.
Davao reported the highest increase in cases at 12,214 followed by Northern Mindanao with 8,933 and Calabarzon, 7,071.
The regions that recorded the highest increase in cases compared to last year are Metro Manila with 1,140 percent or from 313 to 3,882; Zamboanga peninsula, 714 percent or from 328 to 2,670, and Bicol, 381 percent or from 16 to 77.
Data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau showed a decrease in deaths caused by flu-like illness from 186 or a .61 percent case fatality rate last year to 116 or .18 percent CFR this year.
Health experts have warned the public against flu-like illness during the rainy season.
Fever, chills, dry cough, loss of appetite, body ache, nausea and sneezing are the common symptoms of flu-like illness.