DOH warns of rising dengue cases, urges public to be vigilant

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday warned that dengue cases may surge with the onset of the rainy season.

As the country prepares for the rainy months, the health department, advised the public and local government units to intensify their efforts in mosquito control, emphasizing the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites before the rains arrive.

Although dengue cases have slightly decreased by 10% from February 2 to February 15, 2025 (14,163 cases) compared to the period of January 19 to February 1, 2025 (15,742 cases), the DOH is concerned that the number of cases will rise once the rainy season begins.

From January 1 to March 1, 2025, there have been 62,313 reported cases, marking a 73% increase from the same period last year. The highest numbers were seen in CALABARZON, NCR, and Central Luzon.

The DOH then urged the public to take proactive measures to reduce the presence of mosquitoes and prevent the spread of dengue.

“Samantalahin natin ang panahong ito para masiguro na walang pamumugaran ang lamok na Aedes pagdating ng tag-ulan. Tandaan, mabilis magparami ang lamok basta may tubig silang pamumugaran. Ang Aedes ay maaaring mangitlog ng abot isandaang (100) kiti-kiti. Sa loob lamang ng pito hanggang sampung (7-10) araw, maaari nang lumaki ang kiti-kiti at magkalat ng dengue,” said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.

(Let us take advantage of this time to ensure there are no breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito as the rainy season approaches. Remember, mosquitoes breed quickly in stagnant water, and the Aedes mosquito can lay up to 100 eggs. Within just seven to ten days, these larvae can develop and start spreading dengue.)

To combat the spread of dengue, the DOH continues its "Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito" campaign, encouraging communities to practice — Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, Takip — to eliminate stagnant water and prevent mosquito breeding. Local government units, health workers, and volunteers are actively working together to clean and secure areas that may harbor mosquitoes.

The DOH calls on the public to remain vigilant, particularly as the rainy season nears, and continue their efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites to reduce the risk of dengue outbreaks. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News