Baguio: The City Health Services Office (HSO) has urged residents to continue cleaning their surroundings and eliminating mosquito breeding sites as 60 new dengue cases were recorded in a 15-day period. 'Huwag sana tayong mapapagod sa paglilinis kasi ito ang pinaka effective na paraan para ma-protektahan tayo na makakuha ng sakit na dengue lalo at tumataas na naman ang mga kaso natin (Let us not get tired of cleaning because this is the most effective way to protect ourselves from dengue, especially now that cases are increasing),' Baguio City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said in a phone interview Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, health records show that Baguio recorded 585 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to Aug. 15, 2026, 16 percent lower than the 698 cases recorded during the same period last year. Two deaths were reported, while 34 percent of patients were hospitalized. Barangays with the highest number of cases include Asin Road, which has sustained transmission; Irisan and Kias, which have remained active over the past four weeks; and Camp 7, which accounted for 28 percent of cases recorded during the period. At least 75 percent of the city's 128 barangays have reported isolated cases.
Brillantes said transmission accelerated during weeks 31 and 32, with 60 new cases recorded, underscoring the need for continued vigilance. She said the city expects a spike in cases in late August, based on patterns observed in previous years. 'Inasahan natin na tataaas ang cases kaya patuloy lang ang pag-advocate natin na sana palaging mag-observe ang mga kababayan natin ng Oplan Taob para walang lamok na kakagat (We expect cases to increase, which is why we continue to advocate for Oplan Taob so residents can eliminate mosquito breeding sites),' she said. Oplan Taob promotes four measures: 'taob,' or flip containers over; 'taktak,' or shake out and empty them; 'tuyo,' or dry them; and 'takip,' or cover them.
Brillantes said the number of cases recorded through Aug. 15 remains below the city's alert level and epidemic threshold. She urged residents experiencing flu-like symptoms, which can resemble dengue, to seek medical consultation for early intervention. 'We have health centers ready to provide medical assistance. Let us not take our health for granted because the government is ready to help us,' she said.
