Health. Mosquitoes are common in a tropical country like the Philippines. It usually breeds in stagnant water and is more active during the rainy season. There are no recorded local cases of Malaria in Cagayan de Oro. Most of the Malaria infected patients from nearby provinces and towns are brought to Cagayan de Oro for treatment. However Dengue Fever is endemic throughout the country.

To minimize discomfort from mosquito bites, wear long pants or jeans and socks if possible. Also use a mosquito net over the sleeping area or an electric mosquito repellant. Apply a small amount of Caladryl lotion around the bitten area to relieve itch. These items and other mosquito repellants are available in shopping centers.

Water in the city is generally clean. However, tourists are still advised to drink from bottled water or from water refilling stations. Avoid using ice cubes in drinks.

Food and snacks from street vendors are popular among locals. Tourists on the other hand should be cautious. Not everyone has the stomach for street food.

HIV-AIDS cases in Cagayan de Oro is minimal. However HIV-AIDS cases in the Philippines is increasing at an alarming rate. For more information you can call the City Health Office STD-AIDS Hotline, Tel. No. (8822) 721189.

So far, the Philippines has remained free from the SARS and Bird Flu virus. Both National and Local Government units have been mobilized to prevent the possible arrival of these viruses. There is a growing problem with fake drugs in the market. Buy your medicines in major shopping centers or reputable pharmacies such as Mercury Drugstore, Rose Pharmacy and Watsons.

For foreigners who are planning to stay longer or planning to visit rural areas where there are limited health facilities, consider vaccination. Hepatitis (A & B) is a health problem in the Philippines. The government is now implementing measures to vaccinate all newly born children against this disease. Consult with your doctor before taking any vaccine. Check the Travel Doctorand the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionfor more information.

CAGAYAN DE ORO MEDICAL CENTER
Tiano Bros. Street corner Nacalaban Street (near De Lara Park, Provincial Capitol)
Tel. No. (8822) 722256; (88) 8565507

CAGAYAN DE ORO POLYMEDIC HOSPITAL
A. Velez Street (in front of Pelaez Sports Center)
Tel. No. (8822) 724914; (88) 8576911

CAPITOL UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CITY
National Highway, Gusa
Tel. No. (88) 8564706; 8564714

MADONNA & CHILD HOSPITAL
Seriña Street, Carmen
Tel. No. (8822) 725003; (88) 8584105

NORTHERN MINDANAO REGIONAL HOSPITAL (Provincial Hospital)
Capitol Compound, (Across Provincial Capitol Building)
Tel. No. (8822) 726362; 728829