Caraga Region Reports Significant Decline in Dengue Cases

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in the Caraga Region, officially known as DOH-13, has reported a noteworthy decline in dengue fever cases across the area. According to data released by the Philippine News Agency on June 13, 2025, the reduction in cases has been observed during three distinct periods: April 27 to May 10, May 11 to May 24, and May 25 to June 7. Specifically, the number of reported dengue cases decreased from 248 during the first period to 210 in the second period, and further down to 81 in the most recent timeframe.

Despite this positive trend, the DOH-13 has recorded a total of 4,472 dengue cases from January through June 7, 2025. Among the provinces in the Caraga Region, Surigao del Sur experienced the most significant decrease, with the number of cases falling from 60 in the April 27 to May 10 period to 37 in the subsequent two weeks, and then to just 17 cases by June 7. Furthermore, Bislig City reported a substantial drop in cases, starting from 11 cases, reducing to five, and ultimately down to a single case.

In addition to Bislig City, Tandag City also witnessed a decrease in reported cases, going from 11 to eight, and then down to three cases during the same periods. Niel Nituda, the coordinator of the Vector Borne Disease Program at DOH-13, attributed this decline to intensified public health campaigns aimed at controlling the mosquito population, which is primarily responsible for the transmission of the dengue virus.

"The agency, in collaboration with local government units, is actively engaged in campaigns to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites, while also encouraging residents to adopt self-protection measures against dengue," Nituda stated in an interview on June 13, 2025. He emphasized the importance of early consultation for individuals displaying symptoms commonly associated with dengue fever, such as high fever, severe headaches, and joint pain.

As of June 7, the province of Agusan del Sur reported the highest incidence of dengue infections, logging 931 cases, followed by Surigao del Sur with 819 cases, Surigao del Norte with 697 cases, Agusan del Norte with 331 cases, and Dinagat Islands with 285 cases. In urban areas, Butuan City and Surigao City each reported 392 cases, while Cabadbaran City and Tandag City recorded 222 cases each. Bislig City reported 128 cases, and Bayugan City had 53 cases.

The ongoing public health efforts by the DOH, in conjunction with local authorities, aim to maintain this downward trend in dengue cases in the Caraga Region. With proactive measures and community cooperation, health officials remain optimistic about further reducing the incidence of this mosquito-borne disease in the region.

As the dengue season progresses, continued vigilance and community engagement will be essential in mitigating outbreaks and ensuring the health and safety of residents across Caraga.