THE Department of Health (DOH) has recorded an uptick in influenza‑like illness (ILI) cases this week and will begin distributing influenza vaccines starting next week, Health Secretary Edwin Mercado announced Sunday.
Mercado told Super Radyo dzBB that 11,137 cases were logged recently — an 8% increase from the 10,278 cases recorded between September 3 and 16. He emphasized, however, that the cumulative tally from January to the present remains lower compared to the same period in 2025.
Mercado explained that the seasonal rise coincides with cooler weather and increased gatherings, both of which facilitate the spread of respiratory pathogens. “Cases tend to climb when people stay in close quarters and during periods of many celebrations,” he noted. According to the World Health Organization, ILI presents with symptoms such as fever and cough and may be caused by a range of viruses, transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.
To curb further transmission, the DOH will deploy influenza vaccines next week, with priority given to vulnerable sectors including the elderly, persons with comorbidities, and young children. The health chief urged the public to observe basic protective measures — frequent handwashing, wearing masks when unwell, and avoiding crowded spaces when sick — to complement the immunization drive and reduce the burden on health facilities.
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