NORALA, South Cotabato — Local health authorities have intensified anti-dengue operations after the Norala District Hospital recorded 36 active cases of the mosquito-borne viral illness.

Hospital records show the patients include 22 males and 14 females, spanning all age groups from a newborn infant to a 62-year-old adult.

In response to the spike, hospital management has launched targeted chemical fogging operations in high-risk areas to suppress the adult mosquito population and interrupt transmission during the rainy season.

Dr. Mila G. Quinton, chief of Norala District Hospital, urged residents to remain vigilant and follow the Department of Health’s “4S” strategy: search and destroy breeding sites, secure self-protection, seek early medical consultation, and support fogging in hotspot areas.

“Through community cooperation, early consultation, and sustained prevention efforts, we can protect our families and reduce the number of cases,” Quinton said.

Health officials cited that while fogging eliminates adult mosquitoes in areas with confirmed transmission, it is most effective when paired with community efforts to drain stagnant water where the insects breed.

Persistent rainy weather has created favorable conditions for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, the primary carriers of the virus. Authorities said disease surveillance, public information campaigns and vector-control activities will continue throughout the municipality.

Medical professionals encourage residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as a persistent high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, nausea, vomiting or unusual bleeding.