Itogon becomes Benguet's dengue capital as cases top 1,000

Itogon, Benguet – The municipality of Itogon has emerged as Benguet's dengue hotspot after recording the highest number of cases in the province, even as overall infections declined by four percent compared with the same period last year.

According to the latest report of the Benguet Provincial Health Office (PHO), as cited by regional media, the province recorded 1,055 dengue cases from January 4 to July 11, 2026, slightly lower than the 1,097 cases reported during the same period in 2025.

Despite the slight decline, Benguet has already exceeded the 1,000-case mark this year, with Itogon accounting for 370 cases, or more than one-third of all reported infections in the province.

Itogon was followed by Atok with 173 cases, Tuba with 157, La Trinidad with 76, Buguias with 47, Bakun with 45, Kapangan with 35, Kibungan with 34, Tublay with 33, Bokod with 27, Kabayan with 25, Mankayan with 24, and Sablan with nine cases.

The PHO also recorded one dengue-related death involving a 24-year-old man from Itogon, who died of dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe form of dengue that can cause bleeding, plasma leakage, organ impairment, and, in severe cases, death if not treated promptly.

Although the province posted a 4% decrease in dengue cases compared with last year, health officials warned that the high number of infections remains a serious public health concern, particularly in Itogon, where the concentration of cases is the highest in Benguet.

To help prevent further infections, the Benguet PHO urged the public to seek immediate medical consultation at the nearest health facility upon experiencing early symptoms of dengue, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While many cases are mild, severe dengue can rapidly become life-threatening without timely medical treatment.

Health authorities also reminded the public to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed and to maintain clean surroundings to reduce the risk of infection.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippines records an average dengue case fatality rate of four deaths for every 1,000 reported cases, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.