By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Agusan del Sur recorded 2,018 dengue cases and 14 deaths from Jan. 1 to Oct. 1, with the Provincial Health Office having declared a province-wide outbreak on Sept. 29 after an evidence-based assessment of the rising infections.
Provincial Health Officer Jacqueline Frances Momville told reporters during a media forum at the Provincial Learning Center at the provincial capitol that the situation had reached red alert, with cases exceeding the epidemic threshold.
“This is a stern warning since those threatened by the dengue virus are from all ages,” Momville said.
She explained that the outbreak declaration underwent several stages of assessment based on available evidence, with the final figures continuing to come in after the declaration.
Dr. Agnes Cullantes, head of the Department of Health’s provincial office, said surveillance teams gathered data on dengue cases across the province’s 14 municipalities and Bayugan City, with results coming out after every seven days of data gathering.
Dr. Rosemaricris Perez, a medical officer at the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital, said two of the patients who died had underlying conditions: a pregnant woman and an elderly patient with a heart problem. She also raised concern that many patients arrived at the hospital late.
Top five
Rosario recorded the highest number of dengue cases, with 543, followed by San Francisco with 271, Bayugan City with 229, Loreto with 204 and Bunawan with 180, according to the Provincial Health Office’s situationer dated Oct. 1.
Prosperidad, the provincial capital, recorded 114 cases, followed by La Paz with 80, Talacogon with 76, San Luis with 71, Esperanza with 68, Trento with 64, Veruela with 56, Santa Josefa with 37 and Sibagat with 25.
Rosario also had the province’s highest dengue attack rate, at 10 cases per 1,000 residents. Loreto followed with five cases per 1,000, while Bunawan had four.
San Francisco and La Paz each recorded an attack rate of three per 1,000 residents. Bayugan City, Talacogon and San Luis each had a rate of two, while the remaining local government units recorded one case per 1,000 residents.
Intensified response
The outbreak declaration cited rising infections, hospital admissions, severe cases and deaths, according to the provincial health advisory.
Health authorities have intensified house-to-house visits, community cleanups and inspections to identify and eliminate mosquito-breeding sites. The Provincial Health Office has also coordinated with local governments and barangays on measures to reduce mosquito populations and prevent further transmission.
The response follows the Department of Health’s 4S strategy: Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, practice Self-protection against mosquito bites, Seek early consultation and Support fogging or spraying in identified hotspots when indicated.
Health workers have also promoted mosquito repellents, protective clothing and mosquito nets. Targeted fogging may be conducted in affected areas, but authorities emphasize that it must be accompanied by the elimination of breeding sites.
The provincial health office has called for stronger disease surveillance, case investigation, community mobilization and public information campaigns. Hospitals and other health facilities have also been advised to strengthen referral systems and prepare for possible increases in dengue admissions.
Community action
Residents are urged to remove stagnant water around their homes, keep water containers covered and maintain clean surroundings to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
People who develop symptoms consistent with dengue are advised to seek medical attention promptly, particularly if their condition worsens.
With cases reported across the province, health authorities are urging residents, local governments and communities to work together to reduce mosquito breeding and prevent further infections.
San Francisco Mayor Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo has urged residents to join a cleanup drive on Saturday, Oct. 3, assembling at the municipal grounds at 6 a.m. before proceeding to their barangays to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites. San Francisco is among the province’s top five areas with the most dengue cases.
In Talacogon, Mayor Pauline Marie Masendo has called for a synchronized cleanup drive on Oct. 3–4, starting at 3 p.m., involving residents of all 16 barangays under Executive Order No. 28, Series of 2026. Activities include removing stagnant water, discarded containers and old tires, and clearing clogged canals to prevent mosquito breeding.
DENGUE OUTBREAK BRIEFING. Provincial health officials and representatives from the Department of Health and other concerned agencies attend a media forum on Oct. 2, 2026, to discuss Agusan del Sur’s declaration of a province-wide dengue outbreak and the response to rising infections. A provincial health official speaks at the podium. Photo by Chris V. Panganiban
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