The Provincial Government of Bohol has declared a state of calamity in response to a severe dengue outbreak, with cases now exceeding 7,000 and the death toll reaching 15 as of Friday.
Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado issued Executive Order No. 34 to address the escalating situation, following a recommendation from the Provincial Anti-Dengue Task Force (PADTF). The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) later passed a resolution on Tuesday to place the entire province under a state of calamity.
Dr. Tomas Cezar Lopez, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), reported that Bohol has seen 6,256 dengue cases since January 2024, representing a staggering 451.4% increase compared to the 971 cases reported during the same period last year.
“The outbreak declaration highlights the urgent need for action as the dengue situation has reached alarming levels,” Lopez said during a Capitol Reports briefing on Friday.
Local healthcare facilities are struggling to manage the surge in cases, with patients overflowingly occupying hospital lobbies due to insufficient room availability.
In response, the provincial government has allocated PHP 5.3 million for purchasing IV fluids, testing kits, and additional beds for provincial hospitals, which have been distributed to various district hospitals across Bohol.
Gov. Aumentado has also signed Executive Order No. 33, establishing a task force to spearhead dengue control efforts. Dr. Lopez will chair the task force, which includes representatives from government agencies and local government units (LGUs).
Board Member Benjie Arcamo, who oversees the provincial board’s efforts to address the dengue crisis, explained that the state of calamity allows access to emergency funds to tackle the outbreak.
“The state of calamity will remain in effect until the dengue situation improves,” Arcamo noted.
A Department of Health (DOH) representative from Manila remarked that while dengue cases have risen significantly from last year, fatalities have been relatively low due to effective management.
“Dengue is typically self-limiting and, with proper care, it will subside similarly to common influenza,” the DOH representative said. “However, improper management or delayed treatment can lead to severe outcomes.”
The majority of dengue patients are young children aged five to ten years old. The DOH is advising parents and school officials to maintain clean environments and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Local government units are expected to reactivate their dengue task forces and implement the DOH’s recommended 4S strategy:
1. Search and Destroy mosquito breeding sites
2. Self-protection measures
3. Seek early consultation
4. Support fogging/spraying in hotspot areas
1st District Congressman Edgar Chatto, chair of the House committee on climate change, expressed concern about the outbreak during a recent media appearance. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in fighting dengue.
“Every Boholano must contribute to the fight against dengue as the situation has reached critical levels,” Chatto said.
The outbreak has made Bohol the province with the highest number of dengue cases in the Visayas region, with several towns, including Tagbilaran City, Talibon, and Trinidad, exceeding epidemic thresholds.
At the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center (GCGMMC), the province’s main public hospital, eight new dengue patients were admitted on Tuesday alone, adding further strain to resources.
Health experts continue to urge residents to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed and to seek immediate medical attention if dengue symptoms appear, such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash.
In light of this public health crisis, officials are urging LGUs to coordinate responses involving government agencies, healthcare providers, and community members, as emphasized by Cong. Chatto. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining if Bohol can effectively control the dengue outbreak and prevent further fatalities following the state of calamity declaration.
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