The Department of Health-Cordillera (DOH-CAR) advises the public to take food and water-borne disease cases seriously and to practice safety measures to prevent such diseases.
“To prevent food and water-borne diseases, drink only from tested safe water sources and wash your hands regularly. When you are not feeling well, seek early medical consultation. Kung may napapansin po tayong nagkakasakit sa ating komunidad, mainam na agad natin itong iulat sa health authorities,” said Benelyne Balag-ey of the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance of the DOH CAR.
Always dispose of waste properly, keep your surroundings clean, cook food thoroughly and avoid unsanitary food, Balag-ey added.
The DOH-CAR noted an increase of diarrhea cases in Barangay Sacpil in Conner, Apayao and the municipalities of Balabalan and Pinukpuk in Kalinga in April and May 2025.
In the DOH update as of May 24, 279 individuals were affected in Apayao and Kalinga with seven reported deaths. Of the cases, 209 were admitted in health facilities while 63 were effectively managed at primary care levels.
Apayao Provincial Health Office head Dr. Mark Calban said that the diarrheal cases affected individuals with ages ranging from 1 to 90 years. They experienced symptoms including abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, fever, and/or body weakness.
The DOH CAR remains in close coordination with the provincial and local health offices and epidemiology and surveillance units in monitoring the situation.
Water samples were already taken and sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine for confirmatory testing.
Health emergency commodities like oral rehydration salt, antibiotics (doxycycline), and water disinfectant/sanitizing tablets (troclosene sodium) were allocated to Apayao and Kalinga to augment local supplies.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development –Cordillera provided water, food packs and other supplies to the diarrhea-affected communities
The DOH CAR continues to keep track of the situation, providing technical assistance, logistical support, and resource augmentation when needed. PIA – CAR
