DOH logs 8% rise in flu-like illnesses; vaccines to roll out next week
The Philippine Department of Health reported an 8% increase in influenza-like illnesses and announced that a vaccination campaign will begin next week. Health Secretary Edwin Mercado noted that cases typically rise during colder weather and advised the public to remain cautious.
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Public health updates are critical for managing seasonal disease outbreaks and ensuring vulnerable populations receive necessary preventative care.
<p>The Department of Health (DOH) recorded an increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases this week and will begin rolling out influenza vaccines next week, Health Secretary Edwin Mercado said Sunday.</p><p>Mercado said the DOH recorded 11,137 ILI cases last week, an 8% increase from the 10,278 cases recorded during the September 3-16 period.</p><p>"There were 11,137 cases recorded last week, compared with 10,278 cases from September 3 to 16," Mercado told Super Radyo dzBB.</p><p>However, Mercado said the cumulative number of cases from January through last week remained lower than the total recorded during the same period in 2025.</p><p>According to the World Health Organization, influenza-like…
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