DENGUE, TYPHOID FEVER TOP LIST OF DISEASES IN CORDILLERA

June 14, 2025 Health Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

Dengue remained the top reported disease in the Cordillera region from January to May 2025, with 2,481 recorded cases and eight deaths, mostly individuals aged 20 and below, according to the Department of Health – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH–CAR). This was followed by typhoid fever with 851 cases and one death, though it saw a 34 percent decrease. In contrast, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) surged by 175 percent with 680 cases, mostly affecting children aged four and below. The report was presented by Geeny Anne I. Austria of DOH–CAR on the agency’s regional disease surveillance updates covering the first five months of the year.

Austria reported a 35 percent rise in measles-rubella cases, with 101 cases as of May 31. Apayao recorded the highest increase at 220 percent. Most cases involved children aged one and below, and 27 percent were unvaccinated. Ten measles and seven rubella cases were confirmed by laboratory testing. She also reported 10 cases of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), with clustering observed in Kalinga. Additionally, three AEFI cases were linked to an anti-rabies vaccine administered in Rizal, Kalinga. Leptospirosis cases also saw an 84 percent increase, with 79 cases and four deaths — mostly among male farmers. Apayao once again posted the highest rise.

Meanwhile, influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) dropped by 30 percent, although Baguio and Benguet still recorded the most cases. Five deaths were recorded out of more than 6,000 cases. As of March 2025, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the region reached 1,304, with 46 new cases recorded early this year. The majority involved males aged 25 to 34, and sexual contact remained the leading mode of transmission. The DOH–CAR continues to urge the public to stay vigilant, get vaccinated, and seek early consultation with health professionals to help curb the spread of diseases.

Nickhole Gutierrez/UC-Intern