KORONADAL CITY – The Office of the Provincial Health Officer in South Cotabato has released its latest report on the top 10 leading causes of morbidity and mortality for 2024, revealing a significant burden of infectious diseases and heart-related conditions in the province.
According to the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) report, animal bites remain the most common health concern, with 12,142 recorded cases. This was followed by upper respiratory tract infections (11,123 cases), urinary tract infections (5,905 cases), dengue (5,341 cases), and acute bronchitis (5,038 cases).
The official report pointed out the high number of cases related to respiratory infections and vector-borne diseases, which indicates the need for better preventive measures.
Other leading causes of morbidity include pneumonia (3,769 cases), influenza-like illness (3,445 cases), hypertension (2,481 cases), acute respiratory infections (2,284 cases), and unspecified viral infections (1,679 cases).
Meanwhile, the mortality report highlighted the severity of cardiovascular diseases in South Cotabato. The leading cause of death was acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), accounting for 382 deaths, followed by chronic kidney disease (229 deaths), cerebrovascular disease (224 deaths), and cardiac arrhythmia (216 deaths).
Pneumonia also remains a significant contributor to deaths, ranking fifth with 188 cases, PESU reported. Other notable causes of mortality included cardiogenic shock (97 deaths), hypovolemic shock (95 deaths), severe sepsis with septic shock (85 deaths), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (84 deaths), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (59 deaths).
With the increasing number of animal bite cases, health officials are urging the public to take rabies prevention seriously.
“We advise residents to seek immediate medical attention if bitten and ensure their pets are properly vaccinated,” John Arlo Codilla, Infectious Disease Program Coordinator, emphasized
Meanwhile, the public is also encouraged to take preventive steps against respiratory infections by practicing good hygiene, wearing masks during outbreaks, and getting vaccinated.
“The high mortality rate from heart disease and diabetes shows the need for better lifestyle choices, regular medical check-ups, and proper disease management,” Codilla added.
