BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Health (DoH) Cordillera reminds the public to take necessary measures in caring for their health to avoid catching illnesses, especially during this Amihan season.

This follows the government’s health authority’s disclosure of a significant rise in Influenza-Like Illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (ILI/SARI) cases in the Cordillera region last year.

The DoH reported that ILI/SARI cases surged from 8,639 in 2023 to 22,144 in 2024, representing a 156 percent increase.

Benguet topped the list with the highest number of cases in 2024.

Based on DoH records, Benguet City reported 9,875 cases last year compared to 3,198 in the previous year.

Baguio City followed with 7,541 cases from 2,581; Kalinga with 1,812 from 1,281; Mountain Province with 901 from 246; Apayao with 717 from 402; and Abra with 563 from 287.

Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Center for Health Development Nurse V Victoria Malicdan stated that common illnesses people can catch, especially during the cold season, include cough and colds.

She advised individuals experiencing these symptoms to stay home when possible, wear face masks, and practice good hygiene.

The temperature in Baguio City as of 5 a.m. of 10 January 2025, was 15° Celsius, while it was 14.4° Celsius in La Trinidad, Benguet.

The coldest temperature was recorded in Sto. Tomas, Benguet, at 12.3° Celsius as of 5 a.m. of the same date.