The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 181,131 cases of influenza-like illnesses nationwide last year, a one percent increase from the 179,948 cases reported in 2024.
Health officials noted an upward trend in late 2025, with infections rising by 17 percent in early December compared to the previous two-week period.
Despite the higher number of cases, fatalities dropped to 71, which is 57 percent lower than the 165 deaths recorded in 2024.
Bicol, Mimaropa, and Eastern Visayas posted the highest percentage increases, while more than half of patients were men, and the most affected age group was children aged five to 14.
The DOH urged Filipinos to get anti-flu vaccinations to protect against influenza-like illnesses.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 17, 2026
