Albay declares state of calamity as dengue cases surge

The provincial government of Albay declared a state of calamity Thursday following a continuous surge in dengue cases that has left 14 people dead and nearly 1,800 sick since January, health officials said.

During a special session Thursday afternoon, the Albay Provincial Board approved a resolution authored by board member Milagros Bal, chairperson of the Committee on Crisis and Emergency Management.

The declaration enables the provincial government to access its Quick Response Fund to purchase testing kits, vector-control chemicals, medical supplies, and specialized equipment.

The measure also allows local officials to stabilize prices on essential goods and mobilize community emergency units across the province.

Data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit shows Albay recorded 1,785 cumulative dengue cases across all 18 of its local government units from 1 January to 8 September.

Legazpi City reported the highest number of infections at 378, followed by Bacacay with 254 and Daraga with 188. Other affected areas in the first district include Tabaco City with 158 cases, Malilipot with 130, Tiwi with 54, Sto. Domingo with 48, and Malinao with 24.

In the second district, Manito logged 86 cases, Camalig reported 80, and Rapu-Rapu recorded 25.

In the third district, Ligao City recorded 102 cases, followed by Libon with 78, Pio Duran with 60, Polangui with 53, Oas with 34, Guinobatan with 28, and Jovellar with five.

Of the 14 reported fatalities, Legazpi City recorded five, while Daraga, Manito and Sto. Domingo reported two each. Malilipot, Camalig and Tiwi recorded one death each.

Provincial health officials urged residents to join local dengue brigades, inspect water containers, clear gutters and canals, and remove stagnant water to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.