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Ilocos Norte keeps ‘zero dengue deaths’ as cases surge

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SEARCH AND DESTROY. Local residents in Baccara, Ilocos Norte, search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites in this undated photo. The Provincial Health Office recorded a surge of dengue cases with zero deaths as of June 11, 2026. (Contributed photo)


By Leilanie G. Adriano

LAOAG CITY—The Ilocos Norte Provincial Health Office (PHO) on June 11., 2026, reiterated its call for proactive measures against dengue in communities to maintain the province's zero-deaths record from the mosquito-borne disease.

The latest record from the PHO, however, showed a surge in dengue cases, with a total of 443 cases, compared with 272 during the same period last year.

Most dengue cases were recorded in the cities of Laoag and Batac, and the towns of Solsona, Sarrat, Dingras, Piddig, Badoc, Banna, Bacarra, and Paoay.

“While no dengue-related deaths have been reported, the public is urged to remain vigilant and continue practicing the 5S strategy to help prevent the spread of dengue,” PHO chief Dr. Rickson Balalio said in a statement.

The Department of Health promotes the 5S strategy: Search and destroy breeding sites; Self-protection measures; Seek early consultation; Support fogging only in hotspots with two consecutive weeks of increased cases to prevent an outbreak; and Sustain hydration.

Balalio said dengue is preventable, and the most effective way to stop its spread is by keeping homes and communities clean and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recently approved the PHP9.9 million allocation for calendar year 2026, sourced from the province’s 5 percent disaster risk reduction and management fund and unutilized funds from 2025.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Marcell Tabije said 70 percent of the funds will support prevention and response efforts, while 30 percent will serve as a quick-response fund for emergencies.

A major portion of the allocation will be used to procure battery-operated backpack sprayers and misting machines for distribution to local government units across Ilocos Norte.

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