Camille Naredo

Department of Health Headquarters in  Manila.

Department of Health Headquarters in  Manila.  Jonatha Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Francis Orcio

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Despite reports of class suspensions in various parts of the country, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified there is no outbreak or alarming surge in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases nationwide.Health spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said on Wednesday that the recent suspensions declared by some local government units (LGUs) and schools were not due to flu cases, but rather part of earthquake preparedness and school sanitation activities as advised by the Department of Education (DepEd).<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/10/14/doh-says-no-flu-outbreak-amid-class-suspension-in-ncr-2158">READ: DOH says no flu outbreak amid class suspension in NCR</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/10/13/deped-says-2-day-class-suspensions-in-ncr-a-preventive-measure-2030">READ: DepEd says 2-day class suspensions in NCR a ‘preventive measure’</a></div>“Wala naman ho kami nakikitang outbreak or anything unusual pagdating sa mga mala-trangkasong sakit,” Domingo explained.Domingo said that DepEd’s October 13 advisory respected the authority of LGUs to suspend classes when needed, but emphasized that the current suspensions were primarily precautionary.“Nagkataon lamang po na isinasabay, dahil tama nga naman, hindi mo na pinapasok iyong mga bata, might as well maglinis ka na rin ng kapaligiran. Might as well magpunas ka na ng mga lamesa, ng mga doorknob, maghugas ng mga daanan,” he said.According to the DOH’s latest data as of October 4, 2025, a total of 127,749 ILI cases have been recorded nationwide, 6% lower than the 136,421 cases reported in the same period last year.Domingo said this means there is no unusual spike in flu-like illnesses, though some regions are being closely monitored for slight increases.“Kung meron man tayong mga binabantayan na rehiyon--ang Cordillera, Caraga, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Region, Calabarzon o 4A, at Mimaropa o 4B. Kung mapapansin niyo, doon sa anim na mga rehiyon, hindi kasama ang NCR. So ibig sabihin, hindi talaga flu iyong dahilan ng suspension,” Domingo emphasized.Domingo attributed the slight fluctuations in numbers to the country’s seasonal flu cycle, which typically peaks during the colder months brought by the northeast monsoon or Amihan.“Definitely, ang tawag namin diyan is iyong seasonal flu. Pagdating ni Amihan from December hanggang February, ay tumataas rin ang kaso dahil nagiging tuyo iyong hangin at lumalamig,” he said.“Ang pinaka-peak ng ating flu season ay nasa mga bandang Ber months — November, December at tumatawid ng January. ‘Yan ho&#x27;y kasama na sa ating siklo, maski ho bago pa magpandemic, ganyan po iyong nangyayari,” he added.The health official reminded the public to continue observing proper hygiene and voluntary health measures as protection against flu and similar respiratory infections.He added that voluntary mask-wearing remains advisable, especially for those showing symptoms or those vulnerable to infection such as the elderly and young children.

Despite reports of class suspensions in various parts of the country, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified there is no outbreak or alarming surge in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases nationwide.

Despite reports of class suspensions in various parts of the country, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified there is no outbreak or alarming surge in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases nationwide.

‘Wala pong outbreak’: DOH clarifies flu cases within normal range

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‘Wala pong outbreak’: DOH clarifies flu cases within normal range

Francis Orcio,

ABS-CBN News

Published October 15, 2025 09:57 PM PHT

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