Pangasinan has recorded at least 1,695 dengue cases from January to August 5, 2024 and with the entrance of the rainy season, this number may still rise, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Dr. Rheuel Bobis, spokesperson of the Center for Health Development (CHD)-1, said the public must be proactive against dengue, and advised residents to "search and destroy" mosquito breeding sites.

"Pangalawa ang self-protection measure o pagsusuot ng mga mahahabang manggas o mahahabang pantalon," Bobis said.

Among the latest who contracted the dengue virus in the area are five neighbors in Barangay Talibaew in Calasiao.

Alexander Manlincon, 22, stayed in the hospital for five days due to high fever and significant drop in platelet count. 

"Sabi ng doktor, [may] dengue ako. Tinest ako at laboratory, kinuhanan ako ng dugo," he said.

Aside from Manlincon, four minors from the same area, including an 11-year-old child of Yolanda Manlincon, also got sick.

Like Manlincon, her child suffered from high fever, loss of appetite, and a drop in platelet count. Rashes also appeared on the child’s skin. 

"Nagkalagnat at hindi siya kumain. Kapag kumakain, nilalabas niya. Lumabas mga rashes niya at bumaba ang platelet," she said.

In response, the barangay intensified its misting operation. 

"Kapag maraming lamok, syempre, maraming magkaka-dengue. Kawawa naman mga magkaka-dengue," Belen Manlincon, a resident, said.