Itogon, Benguet records rise in TB cases; most patients are miners

Itogon, Benguet - There has been a rise in Tuberculosis (TB) cases recorded in the municipality of Itogon, Benguet this year, and most patients are miners.

TB is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. It can lead to death if not immediately attended to. 

According to the Itogon Public Information Office, about 15-20 new cases of TB have been diagnosed per month by the Municipal Health Services Office (MHSO) since the beginning of 2025, with the majority of the cases in Barangay Virac, where mining operations are concentrated.

Itogon MHSO Rural Health Physician Doctor Bahingawan said the most common symptom of the disease is a cough that lasts up to a month. 

Meantime, Medical Technologist II and TB Focal Person Gloria Depayso cited that cramped working environments and poor ventilation, along with smoking and insufficient nutrition, are the contributing factors why the miners have been infected. 

To address said health issue, the MHSO has actively provided free TB consultations, laboratory testing, and complete testing regimens in its TB-DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) center. 

The health office also continues to remind miners and residents alike to maintain healthy lifestyles and adhere to health protocols to prevent the cases from further increasing. 

Guru Press Cordillera tried to reach out Itogon Information Office to obtain the total number of tuberculosis cases recorded in town, along with the breakdown of data, but they have no response as of this writing.