Pangasinan Reports 52% Increase in Dengue Cases with 14 Deaths

MALASIQUI — The Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO) has issued a warning to residents to remain vigilant against dengue fever as the province has experienced a 52 percent increase in cases this year, resulting in 14 deaths as of August 5. The PHO’s latest report indicates a rise from 1,116 cases with seven deaths between January 1 and August 5, 2023, to 1,695 cases with 14 deaths during the same period this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the provincial health officer, the number of dengue cases has significantly increased between July 1 and August 5. Towns under close monitoring due to high numbers of dengue patients include Lingayen, Bayambang, Urbiztondo, Bugallon, Binmaley, Mangatarem, Bolinao, Labrador, and San Carlos City.

The fatalities have been recorded across several towns, including one each from Binmaley, Natividad, and Urbiztondo; two from San Carlos City; four from Sual; and five from Lingayen. The youngest victim was an eight-month-old girl from San Carlos City, while the oldest was a 56-year-old man from Natividad.

Dr. de Guzman urged barangay officials and residents to intensify their efforts under the Department of Health’s 4S program, which stands for searching and destroying mosquito-breeding sites, seeking early consultation, self-protection measures, and supporting spraying or fogging in areas with clustered cases.

The PHO, in collaboration with the province’s 14 government-run hospitals, has ramped up its preparedness and prevention efforts, including the distribution of dengue insecticides for fogging and misting. Dr. de Guzman also highlighted the importance of blood donations during this time, as the province monitors the effects and complications of dengue fever on patients. So far, 3,691 units of blood have been collected from mobile donation drives and walk-in donors at provincial hospitals.