Around 238 cases of influenza-like illness have been recorded across the province of Palawan from January to February 2025.
According to data from the Center for Regional Epidemiology and Technology Enhancement (CREATE MIMAROPA), Puerto Princesa City recorded the highest number of cases during Morbidity Weeks 1-8, with 136 cases, including one reported fatality.
Following Puerto Princesa, the municipality of Rizal reported 27 cases, while Dumaran ranked third with 21 cases.
Across the entire MIMAROPA region, Palawan also leads in the number of cases, followed by Oriental Mindoro with 78 cases, Occidental Mindoro with 44 cases, Marinduque with 31 cases, and Romblon with only 2 reported cases of the illness.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), common symptoms of influenza-like illness include fever, chills, headaches, coughing, vomiting, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, and body and joint pain.
The illness is transmitted through droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person, as well as by touching contaminated objects and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
In response, the DOH urges the public to ensure that all family members are fully vaccinated to prevent influenza-like illness. They also advise covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ensuring proper home ventilation, regularly washing hands, and using alcohol or sanitizer.
The DOH previously stated that influenza-like illness is not a new disease in the country and that its symptoms are generally mild, resolving on their own as long as an individual has a strong immune system.
