As cases rise: Province cautions vs. respiratory illnesses

CEBU, Philippines —The Cebu provincial government is calling on the public to take extra precautions against influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and other respiratory infections after the Provincial Health Office  recorded hundreds of acute respiratory infection  cases across several northern towns in the past week.

Based on the latest data from the PHO covering October 19 to 25, at least five municipalities reported a total of more than 700 ARI cases, with San Remigio topping the list.

PHO officer-in-charge Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal said San Remigio recorded 264 cases, followed by Daanbantayan with 233, Medellin with 116, Tabuelan with 93, and Borbon had 68.

Arsenal said that aside from ARI, the city of Bogo was the only locality that reported ILI cases, with nine infections logged during the same period.

Bogo City also recorded the second-highest number of hypertension cases at 83, along with 41 cases of skeletal and muscle cramps, and 39 skin-related illnesses.

“Mas maayo g’yud nga magpabakuna,” Arsenal said, urging residents to get vaccinated as protection against respiratory and flu-like diseases.

However, she admitted that fear of vaccination remains among some residents, which hinders the province’s preventive health efforts.

She also reminded the public that simple symptoms such as cough and colds must not be taken lightly.

“Kung naa nay ubo ug sip-on, kinahanglan g’yud mag-mask,” she added.

The PHO is currently promoting basic preventive measures such as consistent mask-wearing, maintaining proper hydration especially in warm weather, and avoiding crowded areas when sick.

Arsenal said there are no available flu vaccines in the province at present since the supply depends on the Department of Health.

“Wala pa gyud karon, pero naay procurement nga giapil sa emergency purchase,” she said.

She explained that the vaccines, once procured, will be primarily for the elderly population who are more vulnerable to influenza and its complications.

The recent surge in respiratory cases coincides with unstable weather conditions and the rise of temporary evacuation centers or “tent cities” in some northern areas, where close contact among evacuees increases the risk of transmission.

To complement the PHO’s preventive efforts, the Cebu Provincial Board recently passed a resolution urging the public to take extra care of their health following the nationwide increase in ILI cases.

The measure which was approved yesterday, authored by Board Member Dason Lorenz Lagon, cited data from the DOH showing that 6,457 ILI cases were recorded across the country between September 28 and October 11, 2025.

The resolution emphasized that while most ILI cases are mild, they can lead to serious complications among children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting medical conditions.

It also reiterated the importance of good hygiene, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and immediate medical consultation when experiencing flu-like symptoms.

“Giving awareness to the public to take extra care of their health due to certain number of influenza-like illnesses across the country," the resolution read. (CEBU NEWS)