ANTIQUE — This province recorded a significant decline in dengue cases during the first half of 2026, with no dengue-related deaths reported, according to the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO).
Data from the OPHO showed that the province logged 230 confirmed dengue cases from January to June 15 this year, a sharp decrease from the 1,980 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.
The province also reported zero dengue-related deaths so far this year, compared to five fatalities recorded during the first six months of 2025.
Among the municipalities, Bugasong registered the highest number of cases with 36, followed by Sibalom with 29, Valderrama with 27, and Culasi with 21.
Despite the encouraging decline, Gov. Paolo Javier urged municipal local government units to remain vigilant and intensify dengue prevention efforts, particularly during the rainy season when mosquito-borne diseases are more prevalent.
“We shouldn’t be complacent. I urge our municipal government units to strengthen clean-up drives, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and continue educating communities on dengue prevention. Through collective action, we can protect our people and sustain this downward trend,” Javier said.
The provincial government has continued to strengthen its dengue prevention and response measures.
According to Jerald Tung, Provincial Program Coordinator for the Dengue Prevention and Control Program, the OPHO has been supplying municipalities with insecticides for indoor and outdoor spraying operations and providing technical assistance to local government units upon request.
The OPHO also distributes window nets to schools requesting assistance and has directed all provincial government-run hospitals to establish fast lanes for dengue patients to ensure immediate medical attention.
In 2025, Antique recorded 4,402 dengue cases and nine deaths for the entire year—the highest number of cases in Western Visayas, based on OPHO data.
Health authorities reminded the public to remain alert for dengue symptoms, which include high fever lasting two to seven days, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, nausea, and vomiting.
Tung urged parents to immediately bring children showing symptoms of dengue to the nearest primary care facility for prompt medical evaluation and treatment./PN
