BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Health (DOH) Cordillera is reminding the public to take necessary precautions to protect their health during the "Amihan" season to avoid illnesses.

This comes after the health department reported a rise in Influenza-like Illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (ILI/SARI) in the Cordillera Region last year. DOH reported that ILI/SARI cases increased from 8,639 in 2023 to 22,144 in 2024, a 156% rise.

Benguet topped the list for having the most cases in 2024.

According to DOH records, Benguet City had 9,875 cases in 2024, up from 3,198 the previous year. Baguio City ranked second with 7,541 cases, up from 2,581; Kalinga was third with 1,812 cases, compared to 1,281; Mountain Province had 901 cases, up from 246; Apayao reported 717 cases, up from 402; and Abra had 563 cases, up from 287.

Victoria Malicdan, Nurse V of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD), said the common illnesses during the cold season are cough and colds. She advised people who experience such symptoms to stay at home when possible, wear face masks, and practice proper hygiene.

As of 5:00 AM on 10 January 2025, the temperature in Baguio City was 15°C, while it was 14.4°C in La Trinidad, Benguet. The coldest temperature recorded was in Sto. Tomas, Benguet, at 12.3°C.