Benguet: The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Benguet has reported a 74 percent reduction in dengue cases in 2025 but has emphasized the importance of maintaining preventive measures to avoid complacency.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Cham Bacuso of Benguet PHO stated that from January 1 to August 9 this year, 1,300 dengue cases were recorded in the province, a significant decrease from the 4,803 cases reported during the same period last year. Despite this decline, Bacuso warned against complacency in tackling the disease.

Itogon, La Trinidad, and Tublay were identified as the municipalities with the highest number of cases, recording 368, 212, and 146 cases, respectively. Additionally, the number of deaths due to dengue also decreased from seven last year to one this year.

Bacuso attributed this decline to heightened public awareness about dengue prevention. However, he stressed the necessity of ongoing anti-dengue efforts, noting that dengue is not limited to the rainy season and can affect individuals regardless of their economic status.

The provincial government is prepared with sufficient logistics for a potential increase in cases, although Bacuso hopes they remain unused. He urged residents to seek medical consultation when experiencing flu-like symptoms to prevent the progression of dengue to a severe stage requiring blood transfusions.

While dengue cases have decreased, Bacuso highlighted an increase in leptospirosis cases, rising from eight last year to 20 this year, marking a 160 percent increase. He advised the public to seek early medical consultation and to take prophylaxis medicine shortly after exposure to floodwaters suspected of containing leptospirosis bacteria.