Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported a decrease in cases of influenza-like illnesses and dengue across the nation for the period from January 1 to 18.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo communicated to reporters that the country recorded a total of 5,789 cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) by January 18. This figure represents a 54 percent reduction compared to the 12,620 cases reported in the same timeframe in 2024. Additionally, only one death was recorded, marking a 96 percent decrease compared to the 26 fatalities reported during the same period in 2024. The primary causative agents identified include Influenza A, Influenza B, rhinovirus, enterovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus.

In a parallel trend, the DOH documented a total of 10,842 dengue cases as of January 18. This reflects an 8 percent decrease from the 11,781 cases recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. The number of deaths due to dengue also saw a decline, with 21 deaths logged, which is 50 percent lower than the 42 deaths reported for the same period in 2024.

The DOH emphasized the possibility of late consultations and reports affecting the data for both diseases.