Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 5) —Cases of influenza and COVID-19 are increasing due to “weather transitions” from summer to wet season, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday.
In a statement, the DOH explained communicable diseases like influenza and COVID-19 “are expected to increase during the rainy season and colder months due to the proliferation of viruses as the weather transitions from increased heat and high humidity in the summer to wet and damp weather conditions.”
Since August, COVID-19 cases have been slightly increasing with an average of 172 new cases reported per day as of Oct. 2, the DOH said.
\”While we observe increases at the national and regional level, our health system capacity remains at low risk with total and ICU beds utilization rate at 16% and 13%, respectively,\” it added.
As of Sept. 16, 134,637 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) have been reported nationwide.
\”Cases are slightly increasing with cases reported in the recent 3-4 weeks (Aug 20 – Sept 2) 8% higher compared to the two weeks prior,\” it added.
The DOH advised the public to perform individual assessments as needed to prevent the spread of communicable respiratory diseases.
\”Especially this rainy season and upcoming holiday season, everyone is encouraged to perform individual self-assessment and, as needed, employ layers of protection such as masking, ensuring adequate ventilation, isolating when sick, as well as getting vaccinated and boosted to provide additional protection against infection or severe disease,\” it said.
On Sept. 28, the DOH confirmed that there is a rise in flu-like cases in Cagayan de Oro, but it has not detected the Nipah virus in the country.
Read: DOH says no Nipah virus case detected in PH, urges masking amid reported rise in flu cases in CDO
