July 21, 2026 — The Itogon Municipal Health Services Office (MHSO) confirmed on Tuesday the municipality’s first dengue-related death this year and urged residents to seek immediate medical consultation when symptoms appear as dengue cases continue to rise.
The fatality involved a 24-year-old male resident of Dalicno, Ampucao who succumbed to severe dengue on July 11.
According to Health Program Officer II Claudette P. Cariño, the victim was a worker from La Union who had recently moved to Itogon during the first week of June.
He reportedly did not exhibit skin rashes, one of the symptoms commonly associated with dengue. He was admitted to a hospital on July 9 and passed away on July 11.
Cariño said the infection was likely acquired in Dalicno based on the victim’s recent residence and the absence of any travel history outside the area.
Municipal Health Officer Dr. Oliver P. Guadaña reminded residents to seek early medical consultation when experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, body pain, nausea, vomiting, or skin rashes. He emphasized that not all symptoms may be present in every dengue case, citing the victim’s case where no rashes were observed.
Dr. Guadaña said that dengue cases typically increase during the rainy season and stressed that early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing severe complications and deaths.
Following the reported case, the MHSO conducted dengue surveillance activities in Dalicno, including medical consultations, distribution of drum nets, larviciding in identified areas, and Oplan Taob, which involves eliminating stagnant water in containers and other mosquito breeding sites.
The MHSO recorded 421 dengue cases in Itogon from January to July 2026, a 29 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Dr. Guadaña emphasized that dengue is preventable through community cooperation and the consistent practice of the Department of Health’s 4S strategy: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Self-protection measures such as wearing protective clothing and using mosquito repellents, Seek early consultation when symptoms appear, and Support spraying in hotspot areas when necessary.
He also encouraged residents to observe the 4Ts in dengue prevention: Taob (empty and clean water containers), Taktak (remove items that collect water), Tuyo (keep surroundings dry), and Takip (cover water storage containers).
With dengue cases continuing to increase during the rainy season, the MHSO is calling on all residents to regularly eliminate mosquito breeding sites, maintain clean surroundings, and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms arise.
Dr. Guadaña said that keeping our surroundings clean and free from stagnant water remains one of the most effective ways to prevent dengue. He said community participation is essential in protecting families and neighborhoods from the disease.
