Dengue outbreak declared in Agusan del Sur as cases exceed 2,000

Health officials in Agusan del Sur have declared a province-wide dengue outbreak following a sharp rise in infection cases throughout 2024. The Provincial Health Office made the declaration on September 29 after an evidence-based assessment confirmed the escalating threat, with cumulative figures from January 1 to October 1 reaching 2,018 confirmed cases.

The dengue surge has claimed 14 lives across the province during the same nine-month period. Provincial Health Officer Jacqueline Frances Momville oversaw the assessment that prompted authorities to activate emergency response protocols in response to the mounting health crisis.

Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, remains endemic in the Philippines and poses a significant public health challenge during warmer months when vector populations increase. The outbreak in Agusan del Sur mirrors dengue surges reported in other regions of the country, as seasonal patterns typically drive higher transmission rates during this period of the year.

Local health authorities have implemented measures to control mosquito breeding sites and increase community awareness about dengue prevention. Residents are being urged to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms including high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and rash.