ON
← Back to feed
Manila logs 2,692 flu-like cases this year amid 8% national rise
PH🩺 HealthCenter

Manila logs 2,692 flu-like cases this year amid 8% national rise

Manila recorded nine new cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) on October 26, raising the city's annual total to 2,692. Health Secretary Edwin Mercado stated that the Department of Health (DOH) logged 11,137 ILI cases in the latest reporting period, representing an 8 percent increase compared to the previous two weeks. The official attributed the rise to cooler weather and social gatherings that facilitate the spread of respiratory infections. Despite the short-term surge, Mercado noted that the cumulative case count from January through late October remains lower than the figure for the same period in 2025. The DOH announced plans to distribute influenza vaccines to vulnerable populations. Additionally, the Manila Health Department reported seven new cases of severe acute respiratory infection and eight new dengue cases on the same day.

Health Secretary Edwin Mercado announced that the Department of Health recorded 11,137 cases of influenza-like illness in its latest reporting period, marking an eight percent increase compared to the 10,278 cases logged between September 3 and 16. The official stated that the surge aligns with cooler weather patterns and social gatherings, which facilitate the spread of respiratory infections. Despite this weekly uptick, Mercado noted that the cumulative total of such cases from January through the current period remains lower than the figures recorded during the same timeframe in 2025. In Manila, local authorities reported nine new cases of influenza-like illness on Monday, October 26, raising the city’s annual total to 2,692. The Manila Health Department simultaneously documented seven new instances of severe acute respiratory infection and eight new dengue cases on the same day. Data from the Electronic Disease Case Surveillance System, captured at 7 a.m. on October 26, indicated that the capital had accumulated 4,274 dengue cases, 1,655 leptospirosis cases, and 564 severe acute respiratory infection cases since the start of the year. Additionally, the city logged 112 confirmed coronavirus cases, 88 typhoid fever cases, and four cholera cases. No new reports of leptospirosis, coronavirus, typhoid fever, or cholera were issued for Monday. The World Health Organization defines influenza-like illness for surveillance purposes as an acute respiratory infection characterized by a measured fever of at least 38 degrees Celsius and a cough, with symptom onset within the preceding ten days. Officials clarified that this classification does not confirm a specific influenza diagnosis, as distinguishing it from other respiratory ailments via symptoms alone is difficult. The definition serves primarily to track disease trends over time. Looking ahead, the health department intends to distribute influenza vaccines, focusing on vulnerable populations. Separately, data from the Negros Island Region revealed that dengue-related deaths reached 36 by October 20, even though total infections fell by 18 percent this year. Regional records showed 6,406 dengue cases between January 1 and October 10, a decrease from the 7,859 cases reported in the same period previously. Authorities advised residents exhibiting symptoms to seek immediate medical care.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

5 reports

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 90
Dengue, leptospirosis cases decline in latest DOH report

According to the Department of Health (DOH), dengue and leptospirosis cases in the Philippines have decreased in the most recent two-week reporting period. Dengue cases dropped by 2% compared to the prior two weeks, with a total of 205,347 cases recorded as of October 14, representing a 22% decrease from the same period in 2025. However, eleven provinces and highly urbanized cities remain under surveillance due to localized increases in dengue cases. Leptospirosis cases saw a more significant decline of 55%, though the overall count for the year remains 47% higher than in 2025. The DOH is advising the public to take preventive measures such as avoiding floodwater and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual health data without any apparent ideological framing or emphasis on political aspects. It focuses solely on statistical reports and public health recommendations from the Department of Health.

Why factuality (85): The article provides specific numbers for dengue and leptospirosis cases, including comparisons between periods and years. However, there is an inconsistency in the year-to-date figures, stating 'as of Oct. 14, down 22 percent from the 261,749 cases reported during the same period in 2025' which see

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information in a neutral manner, using straightforward language and citing official sources like the DOH. It avoids overtly biased language or framing.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 95
Dengue deaths rise to 36 despite drop in total cases in Negros region

The Department of Health reported that dengue-related deaths in the Negros Island Region have risen to 36, despite an 18 percent decrease in total infections compared to the previous year. Between January 1 and October 10, health authorities recorded 6,406 dengue cases, which is lower than the 7,859 cases reported during the same period last year. The data was released on Tuesday, October 20, highlighting a divergence where mortality rates increased while overall case numbers declined.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on public health statistics regarding disease incidence and mortality. It relies exclusively on official data from the Department of Health and presents the figures without editorial commentary, political attribution, or ideological framing. As a routine public health update, the

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (95): The tone is strictly informational and neutral. It reports the statistical discrepancy between rising mortality and falling case counts without injecting opinion, speculation, or emotional language.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 95
Manila dengue cases now at 4,048

Manila has reported 4,048 confirmed dengue cases since January 1, with 31 new cases added on Monday. Alongside dengue, the city recorded 28 new influenza-like illness cases, two severe acute respiratory infection cases, and one leptospirosis case on the same day. The information was shared by Manila's mayor through a Facebook post, highlighting the ongoing health challenges faced by the city.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on public health data without taking a stance or showing bias toward any political entity or ideology. It presents factual updates on disease cases without framing them in a politically charged manner.

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (95): The article remains neutral in tone, presenting facts without editorializing or showing bias. It focuses on delivering specific data points without subjective interpretation.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenter
Manila logs 2,692 flu-like cases this year amid 8% national rise

Manila recorded nine new cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) on October 26, raising the city's annual total to 2,692. Health Secretary Edwin Mercado stated that the Department of Health (DOH) logged 11,137 ILI cases in the latest reporting period, representing an 8 percent increase compared to the previous two weeks. The official attributed the rise to cooler weather and social gatherings that facilitate the spread of respiratory infections. Despite the short-term surge, Mercado noted that the cumulative case count from January through late October remains lower than the figure for the same period in 2025. The DOH announced plans to distribute influenza vaccines to vulnerable populations. Additionally, the Manila Health Department reported seven new cases of severe acute respiratory infection and eight new dengue cases on the same day.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on public health data and government responses regarding infectious diseases. While it involves a government official, the content is primarily informational, citing statistical increases and standard seasonal explanations without engaging in partisan debate, policy criticism, or

GMA News Online logoGMA News OnlineIndependentCenter
DOH logs 8% rise in flu-like illnesses; vaccines to roll out next week

The Department of Health (DOH) reported an 8 percent increase in cases of flu-like illnesses. In response to this rise, authorities announced that vaccines will begin rolling out starting next week. The provided text consists solely of the headline and does not offer further details regarding specific regions affected, the types of vaccines involved, or additional health recommendations.

Bias read (Center): This is a straightforward public health update concerning disease surveillance and vaccine distribution. It lacks political controversy, partisan framing, or ideological debate, making it apolitical in nature.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories