The rainy season is driving a seasonal increase in influenza-like illness cases in the Philippines, with infections rising 35% in the latest two-week monitoring period, while dengue cases edged up and leptospirosis cases declined, the Department of Health said Wednesday.
The DOH recorded 13,321 influenza-like illness cases from Sept. 24 to Oct. 7, up from 9,896 cases in the preceding two weeks.
In its epidemiological report as of Oct. 21, the agency said cumulative influenza-like illness cases reached 130,591, down 20% from 163,304 recorded during the same period last year. The case fatality rate remained below 1%.
The DOH said cumulative cases breached the national alert threshold during morbidity week 39, covering Sept. 27 to Oct. 3. Fifteen areas across seven regions were flagged for heightened surveillance. MIMAROPA, Western Visayas and Central Visayas recorded the highest percentage increases in influenza-like illness cases.
Meanwhile, cumulative dengue cases reached 217,625 as of Oct. 21, down 19% from 269,172 during the same period in 2025.
However, dengue cases increased 1% to 22,813 from Sept. 24 to Oct. 7, compared with 22,580 in the preceding two weeks. The case fatality rate stood at 0.39%.
Despite the year-over-year decline, 14 areas across 10 regions remained under heightened monitoring because of localized increases in dengue cases.
Leptospirosis cases showed a different trend in the latest monitoring period, falling 60% to 745 from 1,879 in the preceding two weeks.
But cumulative leptospirosis cases reached 13,785 as of Oct. 21, up 46% from 9,453 during the same period last year. The disease’s case fatality rate stood at 5.43%.
The DOH flagged six areas across Region II, MIMAROPA, and the Cordillera Administrative Region for localized increases in leptospirosis cases.
The agency said it had intensified dengue prevention and mosquito control activities, including the removal of breeding sites and community information campaigns.
It also strengthened public advisories urging people to avoid floodwater exposure and seek early medical consultation if leptospirosis is suspected.
To help prevent influenza-like illness, the DOH promoted hand hygiene, proper cough etiquette, mask use among people with symptoms and influenza vaccination.
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