DOH-CAR reminds dengue, leptospirosis prevention measures

BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — With the rainy season still on, the Department of Health-Cordillera (DOH-CAR) reminds the public to remain vigilant against dengue and leptospirosis, both lethal diseases but highly preventable.
Dr. Mae Kemeny Manogan, DOH-CAR Medical Officer IV, in a Kapihan media forum here, reported an increase in cases of dengue and leptospirosis in Cordillera.
A total of 196 cases of leptospirosis were reported in the region from January 4 to August 29, 2026, a 15 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Infected people ranged from 1 to 85 years old, the majority (153) were males and 29 percent were farmers. There were also nine deaths recorded due to Leptospirosis, Manogan reported.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection passed from animals to humans through water or soil contaminated with infected urine, mostly from rats.
With flooding a usual scene during inclement weather or heavy rains, Manogan reminds the public of the need for wearing rain boots, immediate and proper washing of feet and other body parts that were submerged in floodwater, and on ensuring clean drinking water.
On dengue, Manogan reported 5,927 cases during the same morbidity period, a 19% increase compared to last year. Infected individuals ranged from one month to 101 years old. Most affected were school children 5–14 years old (1,692 cases). There were also 13 deaths recorded.
With the occasional rains that the region continues to experience, Manogan reminded the public of the “4-S” against dengue, which refers to: Self-protection, Seek and destroy possible dengue mosquito breeding sites, Seek early consultation, and Say yes to fogging, if there is an outbreak in cases.
When it is not raining, there is also the “4-T” that the public can do, refferring to: Taob (flip/turn over), Taktak (shake/spill), Tuyo (dry), and Takip (cover), to ensure that there will be no stagnant water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
Aside from leptospirosis and dengue, Manogan also advised the public to be wary of water-borne and food-borne diseases as well as influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
Based on data from the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit of DOH-CAR, there were 798 typhoid fever cases reported in CAR as of August 29, whose ages ranged from three to 98 years old, with the 5–15 years old bracket as the most affected.
For Hand, Foot and Mouth Diseases, a total of 350 cases were recorded in the region, while for Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI), there were 4,685 and 202 COVID-19 cases reported.
Manogan reiterated the importance of maintaining healthy habits, ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation in food handling, preparation and storage, and maximizing Philhealth’s YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) for early consultation and provision of medicine. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR