Some residents of Barangay Guiguilonen in Mangaldan, Pangasinan have been infected with dengue virus as the barangay grapples with floodwaters that show no signs of receding for months.

Among the three are an eight-year-old child who was diagnosed with dengue on September 16, 2024 after experiencing symptoms of high fever and vomiting.

Marilyn Arbandal's grandchild is one of the three.

"Masakit ang ulo, nilalagnat parati, mahigit may 42 [degrees] na lagnat. Natatakot ako, buti hindi lumabas sa ilong niya yung dugo. Naagapan agad dahil nabigyan ng gamot," Arbandal said.

The persistent floods in the barangay, which have lasted for months, are creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Angelica Reyes, a barangay health worker, said when dengue cases are detected, they immediately report to the infirmary for hospital admission.

"Kapag ganiyan mayroon nade-dengue, nire-report namin agad sa infirmary tapos iaadmit bilang sa ospital. Maglalagay kami ng para sa kiti-kiti may tubig," Reyes said.

Arbandal said apart from dengue, residents are also struggling with the foul smell and the moss growing in the stagnant water.

"Dapat may labasan ng tubig — may labasan din doon maliit lang na nilagyan na butas kaya hindi makalabas," she said.

The local government has been providing temporary solutions such as larvicidal treatments and distributing medicines against leptospirosis.

According to Barangay Chairman Mark Marcaida, a long-term solution involves building a drainage canal to prevent future floods.

"Ang gagawin ding solusyon, gagawan dito sa mismong daan ng drainage canal, yun lang kasi level doon sa tubig," Marcaida said.

Floodwaters are expected to take more than five months to subside after heavy rains.