There is a growing interest in chili peppers, specifically ‘siling labuyo,’ not for cooking, but as a supposed treatment for dengue fever. However, the Department of Health (DOH) said chili peppers are not a cure.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, an Infectious Disease Specialist, said siling labuyo do not have any antiviral effects against the dengue virus.

"Wala talagang activity or role or any mechanism of action na can eradicate the dengue virus in our body," Solante said.

Solante said consuming spices causes heat in the body, which may be why some people believe it helps. However, there is no scientific basis to support this claim.

"Walang anti-viral drug na available, walang antibiotic, kasi it's a viral infection. So, anything na maririnig ninyo huwag po natin gawin ito kasi baka magkamali tayo," he added.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) also reminded the public not to engage in panic-buying of siling labuyo. They assured that there is no reason for such actions.

"For your information po, hindi kami titigil sa pagbibigay ng tuloy tuloy na suporta. Hindi totoo 'yun, hindi dapat maniwala sa mga hearsay," Fidel Libao, Director of the DA-4, said.

DOH recommends preventive measures such as maintaining cleanliness in the environment, ensuring good health practices, disposing of stagnant water, and using mosquito repellents to avoid dengue fever. 

It is also important to rely only on authorities and legitimate sources for information.