The local government of Quezon City is intensifying its campaign against Flu-Like Illnesses (FLI) following a significant surge in cases, a city health official announced Tuesday.

As of 7 November, the city recorded 2,606 cases of FLI, an 87 percent increase from the 1,394 cases reported during the same period last year, according to Jovit Junio, Disease Surveillance Officer of the City Health Department’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Division.

School children aged 14 and below represent the highest affected group, accounting for 1,637 cases. Areas of particular concern include Barangays Batasan and Commonwealth, home to some of the city’s largest public schools.

Junio said the city has increased surveillance and awareness efforts by leveraging barangay health centers to prevent further spread.

Dr. Nestor Dumagas, the Department of Education’s focal person for Communicable Disease in the city, cited that FLI cases typically peak between August and October, when students are often in overcrowded areas and engaged in indoor activities due because of the rainy season.

He reminded the public that FLI is highly contagious, passed through saliva droplets.

Both officials urged the public to immediately seek a doctor’s attention and rest if they experience symptoms like a 38-degree Celsius fever with a cough and sore throat.

While wearing a mask is not mandatory, Dumagas has recommended that those inflicted with cough and flu wear one to prevent transmission.