June 23, 2026 – Despite posting a 38.7 percent increase in dengue fever cases in the past two weeks, Baguio City recorded a 42 percent drop in incidents in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Dengue Disease Surveillance Report released by the City Health Services Office (CHSO).
Data from the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) showed that from January 1 to June 20, 2026, the city recorded 257 dengue cases, significantly lower than the 447 cases reported during the same period in 2025.
However, the CESU reported 23 new dengue cases during Morbidity Week 24 (June 14 to 20), indicating a continuing increase in case numbers over the past weeks.
The report noted that dengue cases increased by 38.7 percent from Morbidity Weeks 21 to 24, although this was lower than the 60 percent increase recorded during the same period in 2025.
City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said this indicates that dengue activity in the city remains below the established alert and epidemic thresholds but enhanced surveillance and vector control measures are being maintained due to the recent upward trend.
The CESU said a suspected dengue-related death was included in the surveillance after meeting the case definition for dengue and leptospirosis. However, the patient, a 31-year-old male resident of Upper Quezon Hill who later died within 24 hours of admission at the hospital, tested negative for dengue and further review indicated the illness was more consistent with leptospirosis although laboratory confirmation is still pending.
Among barangays, Asin Road, Irisan and Kias recorded the highest number of cases during the monitoring period, with five cases each. Quirino Hill East, East Quirino Hill and Upper Rock Quarry followed with three cases each.
The report identified Asin Road, Irisan, Kias, Upper Rock Quarry and East Quirino Hill as areas with persistent dengue transmission.
Based on demographic data, individuals aged 10 to 29 years accounted for half of all reported dengue cases, while males comprised 52 percent of infections.
Of the 257 cases recorded this year, 35 percent required hospitalization. Most cases were classified as dengue without warning signs.
The health office continues to urge residents to keep eliminating mosquito breeding sites, participate in community clean-up activities and seek early medical consultation when symptoms appear.
Health officials said they will continue intensified surveillance, health promotion campaigns and vector control activities to prevent a further increase in dengue transmission in the city. **Aileen P. Refuerzo
