Respiratory cases rise 27% in CV

The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DoH-7) recorded a 26.8-percent year-on-year increase in outpatient respiratory consultations at its hospitals from July to September 2026, amid continuing concerns over ashfall and worsening air quality.

The four DoH-managed hospitals recorded a combined 3,524 respiratory consultations in the third quarter, up from 2,778 during the same period in 2025.

However, DoH-7 Local Health Support Division head Dr. Van Philip Baton said the increase has not yet been directly linked to air pollution.

“Worsening air quality may be a contributing factor that needs further investigation,” Baton told reporters.

“While we cannot yet directly link the increase in respiratory cases to air pollution, the situation warrants closer monitoring by the DoH and concerned stakeholders,” he added.

Cebu South Medical Center in Talisay City recorded the largest increase, with outpatient respiratory consultations rising 66 percent, from 847 in the third quarter of 2025 to 1,407 in 2026.

Community-acquired pneumonia consultations increased from 304 to 427, while tuberculosis consultations nearly doubled from 171 to 327. Respiratory tract infection consultations more than doubled from 104 to 223, while asthma cases rose from 108 to 140.

At the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, respiratory consultations increased from 996 to 1,217. The hospital reported increases in influenza, bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections.

The Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center in Tagbilaran City, Bohol also recorded an increase in pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis cases, although the figures for each condition were not specified.