The Baguio City Health Services Office advises the public on preventive measures following reports of an increase in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and laboratory-confirmed influenza among children in various regions. As the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) reported, the pattern aligns with the expected seasonal rise in influenza activity during the latter months of the year.
PIDSP also reported that the WHO FluNet surveillance processed 3,634 specimens nationwide with 498 confirmed influenza cases as of October 8, 2025. “These figures should be interpreted with caution due to potential underreporting and report delays.
City Health Services Office, led by Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, urges the public to reactivate previous practices such as masking up if a person is symptomatic (coughing, colds, etc.), especially in indoor spaces such as schools, jails, ‘barracks’ or temporary shelters for construction workers. She added that parents or their children should stay home when sick to avoid transmission in the workplace or in schools. All are also reminded to do frequent handwashing and coughing/sneezing etiquette, and disinfection of high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, tables, toys, etc.).
Though ILI cases in the city are 45% lower compared to the same period last year, Ms. Ruby Marie Magsino, Disease Surveillance Officer under the CHSO, stressed that the public is still strongly advised to strictly observe preventive measures, as other regions are experiencing a surge in cases. ** CSHO/KJ Pagada
