The Department of Health in the Cordillera Administrative Region has issued a stern warning to residents to remain vigilant against dengue, which has become a persistent threat throughout the year. The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit reported a dramatic 211% increase in dengue cases in 2024, with the total number reaching 30,350 compared to 9,769 cases the previous year. This surge has also led to 46 fatalities, a significant rise from the 10 deaths recorded in 2023.
Victoria Malicdan, a nurse at the RESU, emphasized the need for continuous awareness and preventive measures. She noted that dengue cases have been recorded consistently throughout the year, with the highest number of cases reported in August. Malicdan urged the public to maintain cleanliness and wear protective clothing to combat the spread of the disease.
The province of Benguet reported the highest number of cases at 11,011, with 15 deaths, followed by Baguio City with 8,674 cases and 19 deaths. Other areas affected include Mountain Province with 3,492 cases and five deaths, Kalinga with 2,527 cases and one death, Ifugao with 2,176 cases and one death, Apayao with 1,938 cases and four deaths, and Abra with 532 cases and one death.
Malicdan also highlighted that 42% of the cases, or 12,604 patients, required hospital admission, underscoring the severity of the outbreak.