A total of 591 cases have been reported in the province since January, nine of whom died from the mosquito-borne disease common during the rainy season.
Health Undersecretary Ethelyn Nieto told reporters at the provincial Capitol that if the spread of dengue could not be prevented, at least the risk of death to patients should be reduced significantly through early detection of the ailment and proper treatment.
The provincial government has stepped up measures to combat the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes, including fumigation and the destruction of their breeding places.
Gov. Josefina de la Cruz herself led a province-wide clean-up last week as part of the anti-dengue campaign. — James Mananghaya