Dengue surge hits Kalinga: Cases jump 237%, death toll rises to 5

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Dengue cases in Kalinga soared by 237 percent, with 1,869 infections and five deaths recorded from January 4 to October 10, 2026, raising concern over the province’s worsening dengue situation.

Data from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer’s Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit showed that cases increased by 1,316 from the 553 recorded during the same period in 2025.

Three of the five dengue-related deaths were reported in Bulanao, Tabuk City, while one each was recorded in Bulanao Norte and Pangol, Tanudan.

Tabuk City accounted for the highest number of cases, with 1,019, followed by Pinukpuk with 310, Pasil with 161, Lubuagan with 127, Balbalan with 74, Tinglayan with 73, Rizal with 59, and Tanudan with 46.

The Office of the Provincial Health Officer continues to urge residents to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by following the 4 T’s strategy: Taob (empty or overturn water-holding containers), Taktak (remove water and mosquito eggs from containers and plants), Tuyo (keep containers and surfaces dry), and Takip (cover water storage containers).

Residents were also advised to seek immediate medical consultation if they experience dengue symptoms, particularly persistent high fever accompanied by severe headache, body pains, vomiting, or rashes.

The Department of Health identifies dengue as a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes. Cases commonly rise during the rainy season when mosquito breeding sites become more abundant.