Influenza-like illness cases in the city from January to Nov. 18 rose by 139 percent as compared to last year, according to the City Health Services Office.
CHSO City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) data showed there were 1,481 cases with no death for said period this year.
Last year for the same period, 621 cases with one death were reported.
Of the total this year, 822 were females and 659 males with an age range of 0 to 102 years old. A total of 325 were admitted.
The data came from the city’s government hospital, private laboratories and private hospitals.
Barangays with highest cases were: Camp 7 – 102 cases, Loakan Proper – 79, Bakakeng Central – 78, Irisan – 71, Bakakeng Norte – 66, Dontogan – 44, BGH Compound and San Vicente – 32 each, Asin Road – 29, and San Luis Village – 24.
The CESU said influenza-like illnesses exhibit symptoms of fever and cough or sore throat which may be caused by the flu virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and Covid-19 among other causes.
Worldwide, influenza-like illnesses increase during the col season.
Also known as seasonal influenza, it is common in all parts of the world.
According to the World Health Organization, there are four types of influenza viruses, types A, B, C and D. Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics.
Seasonal influenza spreads easily, with rapid transmission in crowded areas, the WHO adds. – Aileen P. Refuerzo with reports from BMC
