Albay declares state of calamity over dengue surge

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY — Albay Gov. Noel Rosal has declared the province under a state of calamity following a surge in dengue cases that has killed 14 people and infected 1,785 others from January 1 to September 8, 2026.

Albay is the first province in the Bicol region to declare a state of calamity over the dengue outbreak, while Naga City is the first city in the region to make a similar declaration due to the rising cases of the disease.

Rosal said the declaration was prompted by the continuing increase in dengue cases, with many patients being confined in government-run hospitals across the province.

Based on disease surveillance data submitted by the Provincial Health Office to the governor’s office, Albay recorded 1,785 dengue cases and 14 dengue-related deaths during the period.

Earlier, Rosal convened an emergency meeting with members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, provincial health officials and the Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol, led by regional director Voltaire Guadalupe, to address the surge in dengue cases, which had exceeded the epidemic threshold.

Rosal asked the provincial board to declare a state of calamity, saying the continuing increase in cases and reported fatalities posed a serious public health concern requiring immediate, coordinated and sustained intervention from the provincial government, component cities and municipalities, barangays, health facilities, national government agencies and other stakeholders.

“The increasing incidence of dengue has placed significant pressure on hospitals, health facilities, healthcare workers, medical supplies, public health resources and affected communities thereby requiring the augmentation and mobilization of available resources and the implementation of extraordinary measures to prevent further transmission, morbidity and mortality,” Rosal said.

He urged local government units and barangay officials to continue their Barangay Dengue Brigade activities, particularly regular cleanup of their respective areas to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Dengue is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes.

The DOH in Bicol reported that, as of August 29, 2026, the region had recorded 1,824 dengue cases, according to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. The figure represented a 5-percent increase compared with the same period in 2025.

John Dominic Bolunia, DOH Bicol regional program coordinator for the National Aedes-Borne Viral Disease Prevention and Control Program, emphasized the importance of the 4S Kontra Dengue strategy in communities to curb transmission, prevent outbreaks and reduce dengue-related illness and deaths.

Bolunia said dengue transmission can occur throughout the year and is not limited to the rainy season. He urged the public to practice the 4S strategy, which includes Search and destroy mosquito-breeding places, Self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas.

Under the first strategy, residents are encouraged to observe the 4 p.m. cleanup routine and check their surroundings for potential breeding sites, including dish trays, water dispensers, flower pots and other containers or areas with stagnant water.

For self-protection, the DOH advises people to wear long-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellent. Those experiencing symptoms such as fever lasting two days or rashes are urged to seek early consultation at the nearest health center.

“By sustaining the practice of the 4S Kontra Dengue Strategy, every individual, especially the vulnerable population, is protected against the risk of infection,” Bolunia said.