KORONADAL CITY — The Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) has intensified its year-round surveillance and public health interventions as South Cotabato continues to experience rising cases of heat-related and infectious diseases amid temperatures reaching up to 36°C.
The provincial health office said its monitoring system remains active throughout all seasons as part of its continuous government mandate to prevent disease outbreaks and respond early to emerging health risks across communities.
Eldon Hans Serame, Health Education and Promotion Officer of OPHO, emphasized that surveillance efforts are consistently strengthened during the summer season due to the increased number of reported illnesses linked to extreme heat and environmental exposure.
“The provincial government ensures that health monitoring is continuous and not limited to any season because we are seeing recurring increases in heat-related and infectious diseases that require immediate attention,” Serame said.
OPHO reported that common cases during this period include skin conditions such as acne caused by excessive sweating, respiratory illnesses like asthma triggered by dust and pollen, and infectious diseases such as chickenpox or “surarob,” which spread more easily due to heat, perspiration, and close contact.
Health authorities also noted an increase in food-related illnesses such as diarrhea and food poisoning, attributing these to rapid food spoilage under high temperatures and improper food handling practices.
Serame added that measles, mumps, sore eyes, rabies exposure, and sunburn cases have also been observed to rise during the hot season, alongside more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which require urgent medical attention when symptoms appear.
He further clarified that dengue remains a year-round concern, stressing that cases may still occur during summer despite public perception that it only peaks during the rainy season.
“Dengue is not seasonal alone, it is present all year round, and communities must remain vigilant regardless of weather conditions,” Serame explained.
The OPHO also reiterated that children and the elderly remain the most vulnerable groups, prompting intensified surveillance, community information drives, and coordination with local government units to reduce health risks.
As part of its strengthened response, the provincial health office continues to expand preventive health education campaigns and encourage early consultation to prevent complications from both heat-related and infectious diseases across South Cotabato.
