MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) reported Thursday a decline in cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and dengue across the country from January 1 to 18.

Citing a PNA report, DOH Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo said that 5,789 ILI cases were recorded as of January 18, marking a 54 percent decrease from the 12,620 cases reported during the same period in 2024. 

The number of deaths linked to ILI also saw a sharp drop, with only one fatality recorded—96 percent lower than the 26 deaths reported last year.

The DOH identified the six main causative agents of ILI as Influenza A, Influenza B, rhinovirus, enterovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus.

Meanwhile, dengue cases also declined, with 10,842 cases recorded as of January 18—an 8 percent drop from the 11,781 cases logged during the same period in 2024. 

Dengue-related fatalities were cut in half, with 21 deaths reported compared to 42 last year.

The DOH cautioned that late consultations and delayed reports could still affect the final case count for both illnesses.