415 TB cases recorded in Kalinga; health officials urge early testing and completion of treatment

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO), headed by Dr. Edward Tandingan, recorded 415 tuberculosis (TB) cases across Kalinga from January to May 2026, prompting health officials to urge residents to seek early diagnosis and complete their treatment to prevent the disease from spreading.

Based on the OPHO's consolidated report, 176 cases were bacteriologically confirmed through laboratory testing, while 239 cases were clinically diagnosed based on patients' symptoms, medical history, and other clinical findings.

The report also showed that 406 cases involved pulmonary tuberculosis, while nine cases were extrapulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, 61 children were diagnosed with TB during the first five months of the year.

According to Healthline, pulmonary tuberculosis affects the lungs and is highly contagious, while extrapulmonary tuberculosis affects organs outside the lungs—such as the lymph nodes, bones, or brain—and is generally not contagious.

Comparative data showed that Kalinga recorded 915 TB cases in 2024, 588 cases in 2025, and 415 cases from January to May 2026.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, ITIS-PA Cheston Cariño said the province has so far recorded 415 cases out of its annual target of 1,125 TB cases. He clarified that the figures cover only the period from January to May, as reports for June were still being encoded by health facilities.

"Daytuy jay annual target ket 1,125. For January to May ket 415 ti nairecord tayo kasi daytuy ket January to May, haan pay nainayun jay June ta madama pay lang ti encoding dagituy dagiti health facilities," Cariño said.

Cariño also emphasized the importance of completing tuberculosis treatment, explaining that patients are required to undergo six months of continuous medication and follow-up to be officially classified as "cured" or "treatment completed."

"Mamin innem nga follow-up. Kasi alaen iti six months tapno maikonsidera nga cured wenno treatment completed," he added.

Health officials continue to encourage residents who experience a persistent cough lasting two weeks or more, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, or coughing up blood to seek immediate medical consultation. They also reminded patients diagnosed with TB to complete the full six-month treatment regimen, as early detection and strict adherence to medication remain the most effective ways to stop the spread of the disease and prevent drug-resistant tuberculosis.