TAGOLOAN has reported the highest number of dengue-related deaths in Misamis Oriental, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ted Yu.
During a media forum with the Philippine Information Agency on September 12, Yu confirmed that the town recorded five deaths, followed by Jasaan with four and Opol with three.
As of September, the province has registered over 25 dengue deaths. Since the beginning of the year, Misamis Oriental has seen a surge in dengue cases, with 3,225 cases reported — a significant rise from 1,925 cases in 2023.
Claveria leads with the highest number of infections at 355, though no deaths have been reported in the municipality. Tagoloan follows closely with 333 cases, while Gingoog City has 291.
Most dengue patients are children under the age of five, with the youngest cases being infants. The oldest fatality was 53 years old.
Dr. Yu emphasized that fogging alone is not effective in eradicating the dengue-carrying mosquitoes, as it merely disperses them to other areas.
He urged for community-wide efforts focused on destroying mosquito breeding sites.
“The key is search and destroy. If there’s no breeding place, there are no mosquitoes,” Yu said, pointing out the need for a coordinated clean-up drive.
To combat the dengue outbreak, the provincial government has engaged in awareness campaigns, working with local mayors, and schools, and distributing mosquito nets.
In Tagoloan, 23-year-old mother Mae Bagay, whose two children recently contracted dengue, shared her experience: “It was very difficult, but now I am more vigilant, cleaning daily and following all precautions to protect my children.”
