LAOAG CITY, June 11 -- The Ilocos Norte Provincial Health Office (PHO) on Thursday reiterated its call for proactive measures against dengue in communities to maintain the province's zero-deaths record from the mosquito-borne disease.

The latest record from the PHO, however, showed a surge in dengue cases, with a total of 443 cases, compared with 272 during the same period last year.

Most dengue cases were recorded in the cities of Laoag and Batac, and the towns of Solsona, Sarrat, Dingras, Piddig, Badoc, Banna, Bacarra, and Paoay.

"While no dengue-related deaths have been reported, the public is urged to remain vigilant and continue practicing the 5S strategy to help prevent the spread of dengue," PHO chief Dr. Rickson Balalio said i...