Pangasinan: Dengue cases in Pangasinan have surged by 146% as extensive flooding has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. The Pangasinan Provincial Health Office has reported 7,285 dengue cases as of November 18 this year, a significant rise from the 2,957 cases recorded in the same period last year. According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Rheuel Bobis, a medical officer from the Department of Health - Ilocos Region, stated in a recent phone interview that the increase in cases was anticipated due to flooding caused by several weather disturbances. The most cases were recorded in August, totaling 2,812, with children aged five to nine and 10 to 14 years being the most affected age groups. San Carlos City and the towns of Lingayen, Bayambang, Bugallon, Urbiztondo, Basista, Calasiao, Malasiqui, Binmaley, and Mangatarem are currently on the PHO's watch list for dengue cases. Bobis explained that the widespread flooding led to an increase in mosquito breeding sites, resulting in higher exposure to the virus, especially in densely populated areas like Pangasinan. Dengue-related fatalities have also risen to 36 during the same period, up from 20 last year. Bobis emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and rashes appear to prevent severe complications. The Department of Health has activated dengue fast lanes in hospitals to accommodate infected individuals promptly. Additionally, anti-vector borne disease commodities, including sprayers, misting machines, and insecticides, have been distributed to Provincial Health Offices, Municipal Health Offices, and Regional Health Units to combat the rising number of cases. The DOH continues to advocate the 4S strategy-search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, seek early consultation, adopt self-protection measures, and support spraying or fogging in areas with clustered cases-to prevent further dengue outbreaks. "We should implement preventive measu res to prevent further increase," Bobis concluded.