BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health Center for Health and Development-Cordillera (DOH-CAR) calls for community participation in ensuring public health amid notable increase of Influenza-like and Severe Acute Respiratory illnesses in 2024.
“Public health is everybody’s concern,” DOH – CAR Nurse V Victoria Malicdan stressed in a Kapihan media forum here Thursday (January 9).
Malicdan reported that from Jan. 1 to December 2024, there were 22,144 cases of ILI and SARI recorded in the region, or a 156 percent increase compared to the 8,639 cases recorded in 2023.
There were also three deaths recorded in 2024 compared to the two recorded in the previous year.
For the 22,144 cases recorded in 2024, Benguet recorded the most with 9,875 cases, followed by Baguio City with 7,541 cases. Kalinga recorded 1,812 cases, Mountain Province – 901, Ifugao – 735, Apayao – 717 and Abra – 563.
Malicdan also reported that based on their Pan-Respiratory Virus Surveillance, COVID-19 remains a public health concern though it is on a downward trend, with the 1,184 cases in 2024 compared to the 3,651 cases recorded in 2023.
There were also COVID-related deaths with 34 cases in 2024 and 89 cases in 2023.
With the cold weather currently being experienced in Cordillera, especially in the areas with higher altitude, Malicdan reminded the public to go back to the basic health and safety precautions against respiratory illnesses and other diseases.
She advises those who are not feeling well and experiencing flu-like symptoms to seek consultation, take a rest from work or outdoor activities and if it is really necessary to go out, wear a face mask (properly) and practice proper hygiene etiquette when coughing and sneezing, and regular handwashing or sanitizing hands with alcohol.
She stressed on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, proper diet and nutrition; avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages; and regular exercise.
“Take charge of your health,” she added. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)
