The Department of Health (DoH) reported Wednesday that influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in the country as of 31 December 2024 were at 179,227, a 17 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.

In a statement, the DoH said that it attributed the decline to improved health-seeking behaviors among the public and better preparedness within the health sector.

The agency urged the public to practice respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs with elbows, staying home when sick and frequent handwashing, as the cooler Northeast Monsoon season persists.

ILI is characterized by coughs, colds, and fever. Common causative agents include rhinovirus, enterovirus, influenza A, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus.

The DoH cited that the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an upward trend in common acute respiratory infections, including RSV and human metapneumovirus, in some parts of the world, particularly during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Chinese authorities have clarified to the WHO that the Chinese healthcare system is not overwhelmed and that no emergency declarations have been triggered.