Cagayan logs 400 influenza-like illness cases; PHO urges precautions

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — The Cagayan Provincial Health Office (PHO) is urging residents to continue taking precautions against influenza-like illness (ILI) amid changing weather conditions and the continued spread of respiratory infections in the province.

Data from the Cagayan PHO, as cited by the Cagayan Provincial Information Office on October 9, showed 400 cases of influenza-like illness recorded from January 4 to September 26, 2026.

The figure means there was a 57% decrease from the 931 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.

According to the Department of Health, influenza-like illness is an acute respiratory infection characterized by a fever of at least 38°C or 100°F and a cough that begins within the previous 10 days.

Other symptoms may include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches and muscle pain, headache, chills and shivering.

Factors contributing to spread

Health authorities identified several factors that may contribute to the spread of influenza-like illness, including weakened immunity, incomplete influenza vaccination, changing weather conditions, close contact with infected individuals and prolonged stays in crowded or poorly ventilated places such as schools and offices.

PHO urges preventive measures

The Cagayan PHO advised residents experiencing symptoms to stay home, get adequate rest, drink enough water and avoid close contact with vulnerable individuals, including senior citizens, pregnant women, children and people with underlying health conditions.

Despite the decline in reported cases, residents were urged to continue practicing preventive measures such as proper handwashing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

The public was also encouraged to seek medical attention when symptoms become severe or persistent to prevent complications and further transmission of respiratory infections.