First Dengue death hits Kalinga as cases surge 28%; Tabuk logs most number with 220 of 344 total infections

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Kalinga has recorded its first dengue-related death this year as dengue cases in the province climbed by 28 percent compared with the same period in 2025, prompting the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO)-Kalinga to intensify its call for the public to strengthen dengue prevention measures.

Data from the OPHO's Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit showed that 344 dengue cases were recorded across the province from January 4 to July 25, 2026, up by 76 cases, or about 28 percent, from the 268 cases reported during the same period last year.

Health authorities also confirmed the province's first dengue-related fatality this year involving a 19-year-old male from Bulanao, Tabuk City.

Tabuk City remained the province's dengue hotspot, accounting for 220 cases, or nearly two-thirds of all reported infections. It was followed by Pasil with 52 cases, Pinukpuk with 32, Lubuagan with 12, Balbalan with 9, Tinglayan with 8, Rizal with 6, and Tanudan with 5 cases.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that commonly causes sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes. The disease typically becomes more prevalent during the rainy season as stagnant water provides breeding sites for mosquitoes.

In light of the increasing number of cases, the OPHO-Kalinga urged residents to seek immediate medical consultation if they experience symptoms of dengue, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent severe complications and deaths.

Health officials also called on the public to faithfully observe the DOH's "4S Kontra Dengue" strategy:

Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites by regularly cleaning surroundings and eliminating stagnant water;

Self-protection by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito repellents, and installing screens or mosquito nets;

Seek early consultation when fever or other dengue symptoms develop; and

Support targeted spraying or fogging in hotspot areas whenever recommended by health authorities.

The OPHO likewise encouraged communities to participate in regular clean-up drives, properly dispose of containers that collect rainwater, and keep their surroundings clean to help stop the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.