BARANGAY Lapasan has recorded the sharpest increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in the city this year, logging 132 cases as of October 18 — a significant jump from just 26 cases during the same period last year.
The data was revealed by Dr. Rachelle Daba-Dilla, officer of the Cagayan de Oro City Health Office (CHO), during an online press conference organized by the City Information Office.
Daba-Dilla said the city recorded 1,454 ILI cases from January 1 to October 18, a 9 percent increase compared with 1,122 cases in the same period last year.
While Lapasan posted the highest surge in new cases, Lumbia still recorded the most total cases with 182 — although that figure is lower than the 265 reported last year.
Lumbia was followed by Carmen (163), Patag (149), Lapasan (132), Bulua (77), Balulang (75), Nazareth (70), Canitoan (63), Gusa (63), and Kauswagan (48).
Daba-Dilla noted that the spike in cases was observed mainly in May and June, and that people aged 1 to 96 years old are susceptible to ILI.
“Tanan mga tao walay sakit nikalit ug hilanat, ubo, sip-on, ma-consider na siya nga sulod sa ILI,” Daba-Dilla explained, referring to individuals who suddenly develop fever, cough, and colds.
The health officer advised residents not to panic, noting that vaccines are available for influenza. However, senior citizens remain the top priority for vaccination due to their weaker immune systems.
“We are giving free vaccination yearly to senior citizens, but there are only few takers,” she said, adding that those aged 40 to 50 will be next in line once supply allows.
To curb the spread of ILI, Daba-Dilla urged the public to continue wearing face masks and practice frequent handwashing.
The CHO, she said, continues to issue daily infographics to raise public awareness and has established an incident command center to respond to any sudden surge.
Local doctors, nurses, midwives, and barangay health workers have also been reoriented on proper case management.
