The province of Nueva Vizcaya is currently grappling with a significant rise in dengue cases, marking a 53% increase from the previous year.

The Provincial Integrated Health Office (PIHO) reported a total of 2,695 cases with seven fatalities as of September 2024, compared to 1,763 cases and four deaths in 2023, during the 3rd joint Preparedness and Response Cluster Meeting held on September 6, 2024, at the Nueva Vizcaya Pasalubong Center.

This alarming spike places the province with the highest number of dengue cases in the region. The municipalities of Bayombong, Aritao, Solano, Kasibu, Alfonso Castaneda, and Bambang were among the areas with the highest recorded cases. The numbers consist of suspect, probable, and confirmed cases, although PIHO clarified that the confirmed cases remain relatively low.

PIH Officer Dr. Anthony F. Cortez emphasized the critical role of personal protection and household cleanliness in combating dengue. He warned that mosquitoes, which transmit the virus, thrive in dirty and stagnant environments.

“While the provincial government is doing everything it can to control the outbreak, the public must also take responsibility by protecting themselves—wearing insect repellent, light-colored long sleeves, and most importantly, keeping their surroundings clean and removing potential mosquito breeding grounds,” said Dr. Cortez.

He also stressed the importance of early consultation to prevent severe cases of dengue, noting that many fatalities were due to delayed treatment.

“Many people underestimate the severity of the situation, which is why we consistently emphasize the importance of seeking early consultation, as most of our fatalities result from delayed medical attention,” he added.

The PIHO also stressed the pressing need for additional financial resources to sustain dengue prevention efforts, including the distribution of insecticides in affected areas, strengthening of contact tracing, and intensification of information campaigns to raise public awareness.

During the meeting, it was also discussed the potential declaration of a dengue outbreak in the province. This recommendation will be elevated to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), which will, in turn, propose the declaration of a state of calamity to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Such a declaration would enable the provincial government to allocate resources for intensified control measures and medical support to mitigate the outbreak’s impact.

Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito expressed his full support for the ongoing efforts to curb the rise of dengue cases in Nueva Vizcaya. “The provincial government is committed to ensuring the safety and health of our people. We will continue to work closely with the Provincial Integrated Health Office and other stakeholders to provide the necessary resources and assistance to control the spread of dengue in our province. I urge everyone to cooperate in the fight against dengue by adhering to preventive measures and keeping our communities clean.” /cqc

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