ILOILO – Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) have spread to 34 towns and a component city of Iloilo Province, with infections surging by 42 percent this year, prompting renewed warnings from health authorities as the rainy season raises concerns over the further transmission of respiratory diseases.
Data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) showed that 172 ILI cases were recorded from January 4 to October 10, 2026, compared with 121 cases during the corresponding period in 2025 — an increase of 51 cases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ILI is characterized by an acute respiratory infection accompanied by a fever of at least 38 degrees Celsius and a cough.
Other possible symptoms include runny nose, fatigue, body aches, headache, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea and chills.
The rise in Iloilo’s ILI cases comes as the Department of Health (DOH) issued a nationwide advisory on October 14, urging the public to strengthen preventive measures against influenza and other respiratory infections, particularly during rainy weather.
Of Iloilo’s 42 municipalities and the component city of Passi, only eight municipalities remained without reported ILI cases: Anilao, Badiangan, Banate, Bingawan, Calinog, Dueñas, Guimbal, and San Enrique.
The geographic spread of infections underscores the need for heightened public vigilance, particularly in communities where respiratory illnesses can easily spread through close personal contact, according to DOH.
Tubungan registered the highest number of infections with 24 cases, followed by Igbaras with 20, Oton with 15, Pavia with 13, Cabatuan and Estancia with eight each, Pototan with seven, Miag-ao and Santa Barbara with six each, and Ajuy with five.
Other affected localities included Balasan with five cases; Concepcion, Maasin, San Miguel and Tigbauan with four each; and Barotac Nuevo, Janiuay, Lambunao, Leon and San Joaquin with three each.
Alimodian, Carles, Dingle, Dumangas, Leganes, Lemery, Mina, New Lucena and Sara recorded two cases each.
Meanwhile, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Passi City, San Dionisio, San Rafael and Zarraga registered one case each.
In its advisory, the DOH warned that rainy weather often coincides with an increase in flu-like illnesses characterized by coughing, colds and other respiratory symptoms.
“Sa tamang pag-iingat, kaya nating mabawasan ang pagkalat ng ILIs tulad ng trangkaso,” the DOH stated.
Respiratory viruses responsible for flu-like illnesses can spread through infectious particles expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Transmission may also occur when people touch contaminated surfaces and subsequently touch their eyes, nose or mouth.
Infected individuals may be particularly contagious during the first three to four days of illness, although transmission can also occur before symptoms become apparent.
The DOH advised individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms to remain at home, avoid close contact with others and get adequate rest.
Those who are sick should particularly avoid exposing vulnerable individuals, including senior citizens aged 65 and above, pregnant women, children aged four and below, and people with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease.
Health authorities also recommended adequate hydration, nutritious meals and appropriate fever medication, such as paracetamol, when necessary.
The public was further reminded to maintain proper hand hygiene, use alcohol-based sanitizers, avoid crowded places, ensure adequate indoor ventilation, wear face masks when sick and cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Keeping recommended vaccinations up to date was also emphasized as an important preventive measure.
The DOH warned that individuals experiencing worsening symptoms, breathing difficulties or unusually high fever should seek immediate medical attention.
“Pag lumala ang sintomas o nahihirapang huminga, magpakonsulta agad sa pinakamalapit na ospital,” the department stressed.
With ILI cases already reported across most of Iloilo province, health authorities are emphasizing individual precautions and community-level prevention to help curb further infections and protect vulnerable populations./PN
