BACOLOD City – The number of flu-like cases in Negros Occidental tripled in 2023 compared to 2022, according to new data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
The PHO recorded a total of 2,675 flu-like cases from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023 – 312.17 percent higher than the 649 cases logged in 2022.
The town of Isabela has the highest number of cases with 2,051.
PHO head Dr. Girlie Pinongan said in the first two weeks of this year, they have recorded another increase in flu-like cases. She attributed it to the changing weather condition in the province.
Pinongan affirmed that most of the cases were children.
The PHO head again appealed to parents to immediately consult their physicians if their children show flu-like symptoms.
If left untreated, flu-like symptoms could evolve into pneumonia, she pointed out.
The PHO has also begun delivering anti-influenza vaccines to various local government units to prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses in the province.
Priority in receiving the vaccine will be senior citizens and those with existing illnesses. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
