The Department of Health has raised a Code Blue alert in the Bicol region amid a 19-percent increase in dengue cases, with the hospital bed occupancy rate exceeding capacity.
The regional health office recorded 2,167 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to Sept. 5, up 19 percent from the same period last year, according to its Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.
Dengue bed utilization had reached 107 percent as of Sept. 17, indicating that hospitals were operating beyond their designated capacity.
The DOH Region V office issued Regional Memorandum [2026-0165] on Sept. 18, directing its hospitals, provincial offices, and health emergency and disaster risk reduction personnel to heighten preparedness and promptly report dengue-related incidents and other health emergencies.
The agency’s Public Health Preparedness and Response Unit was tasked to monitor dengue cases and coordinate with local governments, hospitals, and other partner agencies.