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 "5S Kontra Dengue" strategy:

Searching for and destroying mosquito breeding sites by regularly emptying, covering, or cleaning containers that collect stagnant water;

Practicing self-protection measures, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, applying mosquito repellents, and using window screens or mosquito nets;

Seeking early medical consultation when symptoms of dengue, particularly persistent high fever, develop to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment;

Supporting targeted fogging or spraying only in hotspot areas or during outbreaks, as recommended by health authorities; and

Sustaining hydration by drinking plenty of water or oral rehydration solutions, especially for individuals with fever or suspected dengue, to help prevent dehydration.

Health officials likewise urged residents to keep their surroundings clean, properly dispose of containers that can collect rainwater, regularly clean roof gutters, flower pots, and water storage containers, and participate in community clean-up drives to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

They emphasized that preventing dengue is a shared responsibility and encouraged every household to consistently practice the 5S Kontra Dengue strategy to help reduce the spread of the disease.