Bohol declares province-wide dengue outbreak as deaths reach 20

Local

THE Bohol provincial government has declared a province-wide dengue outbreak following a sustained increase in cases and a sharp rise in deaths linked to the mosquito-borne disease.

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado signed Executive Order No. 10, Series of 2026, directing all local government units in Bohol to step up efforts to prevent the spread of dengue and strengthen the monitoring and treatment of patients.

As of Aug. 22, the Bohol Provincial Health Office reported 1,883 dengue cases and 20 deaths, with cases seven percent higher compared with the same period last year.

But health officials are particularly concerned about the increase in fatalities.

Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy, head of the Bohol Provincial Health Office, said the number of cases is comparable to last year, but deaths have increased significantly.

Bohol’s case fatality rate has also climbed to 1.17 percent, exceeding the Department of Health’s acceptable level of below one percent.

“Hopefully, dili na ni siya mosaka,” Uy said.

The provincial government said the outbreak declaration was made after health authorities determined that dengue cases had remained above the epidemic threshold for several weeks.

Aumentado’s new order requires all LGUs to intensify the implementation of the 4S strategy against dengue, reactivate their local dengue task forces and conduct community-based activities aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding areas.

Residents, schools and barangays are also being urged to sustain the 4 o’clock habit, or the regular search for and destruction of containers and other areas where mosquitoes can breed.

Health authorities are also strengthening case management.

Confirmed dengue patients identified through NS1 and PCR testing will be covered by the 1-3-7 intensified vector-control strategy.

Hospitals and city and municipal health offices are directed to establish Dengue Fast Lanes to help speed up consultation and treatment, particularly as patient numbers increase.

Niel John Oclarit, development management officer IV of the Provincial Department of Health Office-Bohol, said the situation is already critical in several areas.

According to Oclarit, 12 of Bohol’s 48 LGUs have exceeded the dengue epidemic threshold for three consecutive weeks. These local governments may also declare their respective dengue outbreaks.

Talibon recorded the highest number of cases at 188, followed by Tagbilaran City with 172 and Ubay with 146. Getafe reported 108 cases, while Tubigon had 99.

Talibon also posted the highest number of deaths with five, followed by Tubigon with three. Getafe and Ubay each recorded two fatalities.

The provincial anti-dengue task force will also be strengthened as the government coordinates with local communities and other agencies to contain the outbreak.

The executive order took effect immediately upon its signing on Aug. 25 and will remain in force until a succeeding directive is issued.

For Bohol residents, health authorities continue to stress the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites and seeking medical attention early when dengue symptoms appear.(MyTVCebu)