Baguio: The city government of Baguio has intensified inspections of water and food establishments as cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and other food- and water-borne illnesses continue to rise, according to the city health office.

According to Philippines News Agency, City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes reported that 163 AGE cases have been documented within the communities, with an additional 332 cases from hospitals currently undergoing validation. Reports from sentinel hospitals indicate an increase in bloody diarrhea cases to 42 from January to July this year, compared to 26 reported during the same timeframe in 2025. Notably, fifteen of these cases were recorded in June and July alone.

The city also noted five cases of cholera from January to July, maintaining the same number as the previous year. Rotavirus cases have shown a significant rise, more than doubling to 331 from January to July 2026, compared to 160 during the corresponding period in 2025. Within June and July alone, 84 cases were identified. Additionally, typhoid fever cases have increased to 125, up from 73 in the same period last year, with cases rising to 52 in the months of June and July from 35 in 2025.

Despite the escalation in cases, no deaths have been recorded from AGE, bloody diarrhea, cholera, or rotavirus in both 2025 and 2026, as reported by the city health office. Dr. Brillantes has urged residents to maintain proper hygiene, consume safe water, and adhere to sanitation measures to curb the spread of these diseases. She advised those experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain to seek medical consultation at their respective district health centers.

In response to the situation, the city government has tasked the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division with intensifying inspections of establishments, especially those serving food and water. Closure orders have been issued against establishments that failed water testing on two occasions, according to the city government.