Northern Samar dengue cases double to 966

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — Dengue cases in Northern Samar have more than doubled this year compared with the same period in 2025, prompting Gov. Harris Ongchuan to order intensified surveillance, mosquito-control operations and public awareness campaigns to prevent further infections.

The province recorded 966 dengue cases in 2026, more than twice the 447 cases reported in 2025, according to the latest epidemiological report presented by the Department of Health (DOH) to the Provincial Health Board (PHB).

Nick Andrew Cardenas of the DOH-Northern Samar reported a significant increase in cases from the first week of July through the third and fourth weeks of September, when the province recorded as many as 111 cases in a single week.

Article continues after this advertisement

The rising number of infections prompted local health officials to emphasize early consultation and timely medical intervention to prevent severe cases and reduce dengue-related deaths.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: Manila records 23 new dengue cases; total hits 3,822

The five municipalities with the highest number of reported cases were Lavezares with 197, Catarman with 163, Allen with 130, Laoang with 100 and San Antonio with 70.

Other municipalities also reported dengue infections, although in smaller numbers, according to the DOH.

Ongchuan, who chairs the PHB, backed the recommendations of local health officials to intensify dengue prevention and control measures, particularly in communities with reported cases.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Dengue death toll in Agusan del Sur reaches 14 as virus infects over 2,000

These include mobilizing residents for search-and-destroy activities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, conducting fogging or misting operations in affected areas under the recommended 1-3-7 strategy, and implementing targeted indoor residual spraying in identified locations.

Article continues after this advertisement

Health authorities also recommended intensified information campaigns and larval surveys to identify potential breeding grounds and encourage households to take preventive measures.

The province and its municipalities were likewise urged to strengthen epidemiological surveillance to ensure the early detection, monitoring and reporting of infections and the prompt implementation of control measures.

Ongchuan called on residents to actively participate in efforts to contain the spread of dengue, stressing the importance of cooperation between local governments and communities.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Residents were advised to regularly inspect their surroundings, remove stagnant water and other potential mosquito breeding sites, and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms of dengue. /cb