Cebu hospitals report sharp rise in respiratory illness cases

CEBU CITY — Health officials in Central Visayas are sounding an alert over rising respiratory illnesses as several hospitals in the region report significantly higher patient numbers this year.

Data from local medical facilities showed a 26 percent increase in respiratory consultations during the third quarter, compared to the same three-month period in 2023. The uptick has raised concerns among health administrators and prompted calls for enhanced surveillance of respiratory conditions throughout the region.

The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) has attributed the increase partly to deteriorating air quality in Metro Cebu. Poor air conditions can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions and trigger acute illnesses in vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

DOH-7 officials have urged hospitals and clinics to maintain heightened vigilance in monitoring respiratory cases and tracking patterns that may correlate with air quality fluctuations. The agency also recommended that residents, particularly those with respiratory sensitivities, limit outdoor exposure during periods of poor air quality and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop.

The regional health office did not immediately provide specific hospital names or patient demographics, though it emphasized the need for continued data collection to better understand the scope of the issue and implement appropriate public health interventions.