Manila, Oct. 13 -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday assured the public that there is no reason to panic over the recent reports of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in the country.

In a Viber message to reporters, DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said the number of ILI cases recorded in recent months remained lower compared to the same period last year, indicating that the situation is under control.

He noted that the DOH logged 121,716 cases from January to September this year.

This figure is 8 percent lower compared to the 135,538 cases reported in the same period last year.

Domingo also explained that the Department of Education's (Deped) decision to suspend face-to-face classes in public schools across the National Capital...