MORE than 18,000 cases of influenza-like illness have been recorded in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.
According to its latest disease surveillance report, the DOH-Northern Mindanao said 18,364 cases were reported from January to the third week of September this year.
This is 41.31 percent higher compared to the 12,996 cases reported during the same period in 2022.
Camiguin recorded the highest increase in cases at 150 percent. However, it also registered the lowest number of cases in the region at 110 cases.
Bukidnon recorded the highest number of influenza-like illness cases in Northern Mindanao at 8,002 cases, a 74.79 percent increase from last year's 4,578.
Misamis Oriental is the only province that registered a decrease in the number of flu-like cases, recording 3,000 cases from the 3,246 cases recorded last year.
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy issued on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, an executive order urging the Kagay-anons to observe minimum health protocols in all public places and transportation due to the recent rise in flu-like illnesses in schools and several barangays around the city.
Minimum health protocols include wearing of face masks, observing social distancing, practicing proper hand hygiene/regular handwashing, and observing cough etiquette.