31/07/2026
Apayao dengue cases down 35%, PHO urges vigilance in high-risk areas
Suspected dengue cases in Apayao dropped by 35 percent during the first seven months of 2026, but health officials continue to call for stronger prevention measures as three municipalities recorded an increase in cases.
Based on the latest dengue surveillance report of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) through its Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), the province recorded 433 suspected dengue cases from January 4 to August 1, 2026, down from 662 cases during the same period last year.
The report showed that the median age of patients was 18 years old, with cases ranging from infants to 88 years old. Males accounted for 53 percent of all reported cases. One dengue-related death has been recorded this year.
Of the total cases, 228 had no warning signs, 145 developed warning signs, and one was classified as severe dengue. A total of 145 patients tested positive for the NS1 antigen.
Four municipalities posted fewer cases compared with last year. Santa Marcela recorded the biggest decline at 73 percent, followed by Pudtol at 62 percent, Calanasan at 58 percent, and Luna at 45 percent.
Meanwhile, dengue cases increased in Conner by 130 percent, Kabugao by 156 percent, and Flora by 8 percent. The provinceโs attack rate stands at 3.4 cases per 1,000 population.
Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Mark Joleen M. Calban said the overall decline is encouraging but stressed that the increase in several municipalities should not be overlooked.
โWe commend communities that have sustained effective prevention efforts, but we must intensify our response in areas with rising cases to prevent further spread,โ Calban said.
The PHO continues to coordinate closely with Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Units, local government units, and health facilities to monitor cases, provide logistics, and support dengue prevention and response activities.
The office also urged municipal governments to activate their Vector-Borne Diseases Task Forces, strengthen surveillance and community clean-up activities, fully implement Provincial Ordinance No. 1, Series of 2022, and continue the weekly โTaob at Yugyugโ campaign every Friday at 4PM.
Residents are reminded to follow the Department of Healthโs 4S Strategy against dengue: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Self-protect against mosquito bites, Seek early consultation for fever or other symptoms, and Support community efforts to control mosquito breeding.
APIO | Krizza Joy Castillo
Data: PHO Apayao
