Caraga Region: The Department of Health (DOH) in the Caraga Region (DOH-13) has observed a consistent decrease in the number of dengue cases in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, the data revealed a decline in dengue cases during the periods of April 27-May 10, May 11-May 24, and May 25-June 7. Notably, the cases reduced from 248 in the April 27-May 10 period to 210 from May 11-24, and further decreased to 81 from May 25-June 7.

Despite this downward trend, DOH-13 reported a total of 4,472 dengue cases recorded in the region from January to June 7. Surigao del Sur showed the most significant decrease among the provinces, with cases falling from 60 within the April 27-May 10 period to 37 from May 11-24, and further dropping to 17 from May 25-June 7. In the cities, Bislig City experienced a notable reduction from 11 cases to five, then to just one, while Tandag City saw a decrease from 11 cases to eight, and then down to three.

Niel Nituda, the coordinator of the Vector Borne Disease Program of DOH-13, attributed the decline to intensified campaigns in collaboration with local government units. ‘The agency, in coordination with the local government units, will continue its campaign to search for and destroy mosquito nesting sites, and encourage our residents to follow self-protection measures against dengue,’ Nituda stated. He also urged residents to seek early consultation when they experience common signs of dengue infection.

As of June 7, Agusan del Sur reported the highest number of dengue infections with 931, followed by Surigao del Sur with 819, Surigao del Norte with 697, Agusan del Norte with 331, and Dinagat Islands with 285. In the cities, both Butuan City and Surigao City logged 392 cases, Cabadbaran City and Tandag City each with 222 cases, Bislig City with 128, and Bayugan City with 53.