Cases of dengue and leptospirosis have increased in Region 1 following successive typhoons, with some barangays still experiencing isolated flooding.
Data from the Center for Health Development (CHD-1) recorded 10,604 dengue cases this 2024, as of October 30, a 72 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Leptospirosis cases also rose to 270, marking a 25 percent hike.
Dr. Rheuel Bobis, CHD-1 spokesperson, noted the connection between these cases and recent storms.
“Hanggang ngayon, medyo nakakapag-detect pa rin tayo ng mataas na kaso,” he said.
In Barangay Lasip, Calasiao, 61-year-old Guadalupe Aguilar takes extra precautions to protect her family from diseases linked to stagnant water.
“Kailangan malinis lahat, tsaka malinis ang kapaligiran. Lahat yan. Kailangan iwas sa sakit,” Aguilar said.
Health authorities urged the public to maintain cleanliness to prevent mosquito breeding and to wear boots when wading through floodwaters.
Residents experiencing symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately and avoid self-medication.