Flu-like illnesses up in Oriental Mindoro

CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines — Cases of flu-like illnesses have been on the rise across Oriental Mindoro as public health facilities in the province heighten preparations to manage an expected increase in heat-related cases brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.

Dr. Cielo Ante, Provincial Health Officer, confirmed the upward trend, reporting that flu-like cases climbed from just 45 in July, to 62 in October, remaining elevated at around 50 cases as of the third week of the month.

“Based on our surveillance, these cases are consistent with the seasonal pattern we observe this time of the year,” Ante said.

READ: 18 new cases of flu-like illness reported in Manila; 1,955 total cases

She added that the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro has already convened its El Niño Task Force, while the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has drawn up a comprehensive action plan to address potential health impacts of the dry spell.

The Provincial Health Office, in coordination with the Department of Health, has also begun circulating national preparedness guidelines to all Rural Health Units across the province.

“Public hospitals are already complying with these recommendations—ensuring adequate stock of medicines for heat stroke and related conditions, and securing sufficient water reserves to meet the essential needs of our health facilities,” Ante emphasized.

Authorities continue to urge the public to observe proper hygiene, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions against both flu-like ailments and extreme heat conditions as the dry spell persists. /cb