LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The Benguet Provincial Health Office (PHO) disclosed that it has listed 316 cases of dengue infection in the first part of the year.

According to the date of the PHO, the cases were recorded from January to 1 March 2025. The rise of cases is 17 percent compared to the same period last year. The health agency stated there is none recorded dengue-related deaths this year.

The capital town of La Trinidad listed in the highest number which is 68, followed by Tublay with 47; and Kapangan with 43 infections. Most of the patients are with age ranging five to nine years old.

Benguet Provincial Health Officer Meliarazon Dulay stressed that the people should seriously continue the 4 o'clock habit or the “Alas Kuwatro Kontra Mosquito.” This employs “Taob” where all items that are potential to be breeding sites of mosquitoes should be turned upside down, “Taktak” or pour the water from bottles, cans and tires among others, “Tuyo” where areas mosquitoes breed should be destroyed and “Takip” where all containers especially those for storing or collecting waters should be covered.

Dulay advised the public to be alert in cases that there are symptoms of dengue infections. She said they should seek immediate consultation and build strong resistance by observing healthy living and sanitation.

According to the health officer, the Department of Health still have no scientific basis in recommending medicines against dengue as of now. She also said they are not also recommending tawa-tawa as treatment as there is not yet scientifically proven as effective.