BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
While the sun shines brightly in the morning in Baguio City, the temperature drops significantly during the night until early morning.
This has caused Helen’s two children to catch colds and coughs.
“This weather is super cold. It’s really cold. Pneumonia is quite dangerous,” said ‘Helen,’ parent.
Meanwhile, Grandma Juvy shares that her grandchild has already caught her cold.
“I don’t go near people anymore. I just stay home,” said Juvy Rilloraza, parent.
These are symptoms of flu-like illnesses or influenza-like illnesses (ILI), which are currently being closely monitored by the Department of Health (DOH) Cordillera.
As temperatures continue to drop in the region, especially in Baguio City this month.
Earlier this morning, the temperature further plunged to 14.4 degrees Celsius, the coldest recorded this December.
According to Engr. Benelyne Balag-ey, Nurse III, Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, DOH-CAR, “We have observed an increase in influenza-like illnesses, with clustering of cases.”
According to agency data, cases of flu-like illnesses in the region have reached 16,954.
Benguet recorded the highest number of cases at 6,826, with two fatalities, followed by Baguio City with 5,778 cases, and Kalinga with 1,685 cases.
One fatality was also reported in Abra province.
This year’s numbers have nearly doubled compared to the same period last year, which recorded only 8,034 cases.
Most of the affected individuals are children aged nine years and below.
“Let’s take care of ourselves by practicing healthy habits, seeking health advice, and consulting a doctor if necessary. Health should be everyone’s priority and concern,” Balag-ey reminded.
They remind the public to strengthen their immune system, drink plenty of water, wash hands regularly, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms occur.
