There were 85,692 reported dengue cases nationwide based on the Department of Health's (DOH) data from the beginning of the year until July 22. This figure is 19 percent lower compared to the 106,517 cases reported during the same period in 2022. DOH revealed that Region IV-B recorded the highest incidence of dengue cases, with 51 cases per 100,000 population from June 25 to July 22. It was followed by the Cordillera Administrative Region (34 cases per 100,000 population), Region XI (25 cases per 100,000 population), Region IX (24 cases per 100,000 population), and Region XII (23 cases per 100,000 population). "Over the recent 3-4 weeks (June 25 to July 8), all regions showed an increase in dengue cases except for Regions IV-A, V, IX, XII, Caraga, and NCR," said DOH. The department also warned that dengue cases have been continuously increasing since the first week of April, with 9,916 infections reported from June 25 to July 8, marking a seven percent increase from two weeks prior. DOH reminded the public that the first step in dengue prevention is "within our homes." It can be done by removing spaces that could hold stagnant water, which may become breeding sites for mosquitoes, it said. "The 5S implementation calls for everyone to become prime movers in controlling mosquito population and avoiding any possible dengue deaths within the community. "The 5S Strategy urges the public to search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; uphold self-protection like using of insect repellents; seek early consultation at the nearest health care facility; support fogging, spraying, and misting in hot spot areas; and sustain hydration," DOH reminded.