Manila, Sept. 8 -- Dengue cases are rising in Ilocos Norte province, prompting health authorities to intensify prevention efforts and remind communities that the fight against the mosquito-borne disease begins at home.

Data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit show 1,583 dengue cases as of Sept. 7, up by 115 new cases since the last week of August.

Most of the new cases are in the towns of Dingras, Pagudpud, Laoag, Batac, Nueva Era and Paoay.

"We urge the public to stay vigilant and continue practicing the 5S strategy to help prevent the spread of dengue because it is on the rise," Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief Dr. Rickson Balalio said in a statement Tuesday.

The 5S strategy refers to searching and destroying ...