Agusan del Sur reels from dengue surge
SAN FRANCISCO, AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines — The province, which was placed under a dengue outbreak two weeks ago, has recorded 16 deaths and 2,572 cases since the start of the year, prompting public schools to implement emergency mosquito-control measures as children and adolescents account for a significant share of infections.
The provincial government declared the outbreak on Oct. 1 following a sustained increase in dengue cases across several municipalities.
“As we continue to monitor the dengue situation in Agusan del Sur, surveillance data and assessments conducted in coordination with our partner agencies have revealed a significant increase in cases, prompting the declaration of a provincial dengue outbreak,” said Katrina Isabelle Cinco, a Nurse II at the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
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“This serves as a serious reminder that dengue prevention requires strengthened efforts, collective responsibility, and unified action,” she added.
Provincial health data showed that children aged 10 to 14 were the most affected age group, accounting for 18.39 percent of all infections recorded from January to Oct. 15. The mean age of patients was 16.
With school-aged children particularly vulnerable, educational institutions have begun implementing measures to reduce mosquito exposure on their campuses.
Agusan del Sur National High School suspended classes on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 13, to allow fogging and misting operations within its premises.
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Hospital admissions
Of the 2,572 reported cases, 1,86 patients, or 73.7 percent, required hospital admission or treatment at health facilities.
Primary care facilities handled 676 patients, while Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital recorded 534 admissions and Valentina Galido Plaza Memorial Hospital reported 315.
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The 16 fatalities involved patients aged four to 52.
Bayugan City recorded the highest number of deaths, with six, followed by Rosario with five and Loreto with two. Bunawan, San Francisco and Trento reported one fatality each.
Rosario also posted the highest dengue attack rate, at 12 cases per 1,000 residents, with 649 infections. Loreto followed with six cases per 1,000 residents and 285 infections, while Bunawan and San Francisco each recorded attack rates of four cases per 1,000 residents, with 210 and 361 cases, respectively.
Active screening
To curb the spread of dengue, the PHO has deployed vector-control response teams to barangays identified as hot spots.
Irene Macasarte, a Sanitation Inspector VI at the PHO, said health personnel were conducting active screening in communities to identify suspected cases and facilitate early intervention.
“We are intensifying our surveillance efforts by deploying our Rural Health Units and primary care facilities to every barangay to conduct active screening and promptly identify individuals exhibiting symptoms of dengue,” Macasarte said.
Health officials also cautioned residents against self-medication and ignoring early symptoms, emphasizing the importance of prompt medical consultation.
“Treatment depends on each person’s symptoms and clinical assessment, which is why early consultation with a healthcare professional is essential for proper evaluation and timely detection,” said Dr. Rosemaricris Perez, a Medical Specialist II at the PHO.
“If you experience warning signs such as bleeding, persistent vomiting, or severe abdominal pain, seek medical attention immediately rather than waiting for your condition to worsen,” she added.
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To help contain the outbreak, the Department of Health in the Caraga region has been promoting its “5S Strategy”: search for and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, support fogging in hotspot areas, and sustain hydration. /cb
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