DoH logs 31% flu-like illnesses surge

Cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) continue to rise across the Philippines, driven by localized surges in Metro Manila and several provinces, the Department of Health (DoH) reported Wednesday.

In its latest epidemiological report, the health department said 15,042 ILI cases were recorded nationwide from 1 to 14 October. The figure marks a 31 percent increase from the 11,517 cases logged during the preceding two-week period from 17 to 30 September.

Health officials cited that Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and MIMAROPA posted the highest percentage increases in cases during the reporting period.

Additionally, 17 provinces and highly urbanized cities, primarily concentrated in Metro Manila, registered localized spikes in flu-like infections.

Nationwide, the DoH has recorded 139,031 ILI cases so far this year, with a case fatality rate of 0.06 percent. Total cases for 2026 remain 19 percent lower compared to the 171,506 cases reported during the same period in 2025.

The DoH assured the public that it is continuously strengthening preventive health measures and monitoring systems to control the spread of respiratory illnesses.

In the same report, the health department observed a slight surge in dengue cases, logging 23,842 cases from 1 to 14 October. The figure represents a six percent increase from the 22,575 dengue infections recorded from 17 to 30 September.

Meantime, leptospirosis cases showed a marked decline nationwide. Health officials recorded 554 leptospirosis cases from 1 to 14 October, representing a 54 percent drop from the 1,198 cases reported during the previous two weeks.