BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The City Health Services Office (CHSO) urged residents to remain vigilant against dengue fever as continued rains may create additional mosquito breeding sites.
City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said dengue cases in the city remain below the city’s epidemic threshold albeit an increase was observed toward the end of July.
There were also two suspected deaths attributed to the disease involving a 31-year-old male and a 25-year-old male.
She warned that rainwater can accumulate in both natural and artificial containers creating more potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Residents were encouraged to regularly inspect their homes and surroundings and remove stagnant water from containers, discarded items, garbage and other areas where rainwater may collect.
“Community participation is crucial in preventing dengue, particularly during the rainy season,” she reminded.
Records from the CHSO’s City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) as submitted by Medical Technologist II Ruby Magsino and noted by Medical Officer IV Donnabel Panes, showed that dengue cases in the city have dropped by 16 percent this year.
The CESU recorded 585 dengue cases from January 1 to August 15, 2026 which is 113 fewer than the 698 cases recorded during the same period last year.
However, 31 new cases were reported during the week of August 9 to 15.
Analysis showed that dengue transmission remains localized, with cases reported in 73 barangays during the four-week monitoring period.
Asin Road recorded the highest number of cases at 15, followed by Irisan and Kias with 12 cases each, and Camp 7 with 11. Asin Road, Irisan, Kias and Loakan Proper also recorded cases in all four weeks of the monitoring period.
Young people remain the most affected, with those aged 5 to 29 accounting for about 60 percent of the total cases. Males comprised 50.08 percent or 293 cases.
Of the total cases, 196 or about 34 percent required hospitalization. The case fatality rate stood at 0.34 percent.
The CHSO continues to implement dengue prevention measures, including community clean-up drives, case investigations and information campaigns promoting the 5S strategy against dengue. (Aileen P. Refuerzo)
