Dengue cases show 5% decline in recent weeks—DOH
By Jel Santos
A five percent decline in new dengue cases was observed in the past four weeks, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday, Feb. 21.
From Jan. 5 to 18, the DOH said it recorded 15,904 new cases, which dropped to 15,134 from Jan. 19 to Feb. 15.
The agency attributed this improvement to heightened public awareness, intensified cleanup efforts, and strengthened vector control measures.
“This welcome change may be due to heightened public awareness and collective action following the recent calls to action,” the DOH stated.
Despite this short-term decline, the overall dengue burden remains significantly higher than last year.
From Jan. 1 to Feb. 15, 2025, the country recorded 43,732 cases, a stark increase from 27,995 in the same period in 2024.
The highest number of cases have been reported in CALABARZON (9,113), the National Capital Region (7,551), and Central Luzon (7,362), with 17 local government units identified as dengue hotspots, the health department stated.
However, the agency stated that the case fatality ratio (CFR) decreased to 0.38 percent from 0.42 percent last year, indicating improved case management.
LGUs lead dengue response
Recognizing the authority of local chief executives to declare outbreaks, the DOH said it is ready to support LGUs in their intensified response efforts.
“The Centers for Health Development are also coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to implement necessary preventive measures to combat the spread of dengue,” the DOH stated.
“LGUs have also launched intensive vector control measures and clean-up drives to eliminate mosquito breeding sites,” it added.
To bolster frontline response, the DOH stated that it has prepositioned thousands of Dengue IgG/IgM and Dengue RDT (NS1) test kits to augment on-the-ground logistical needs.
It added that government hospitals and health facilities have also been directed to reactivate dengue fast lanes for expedited triage, diagnosis, and treatment of suspected cases.
Children most affected
According to the DOH, the latest data showed that children aged 5 to 14 years old are the most affected by the dengue outbreak, prompting the agency to issue stronger advisories to parents and caregivers.
“Parents and caregivers are urged to take protective measures including dressing children in long-sleeved clothes and pants, applying mosquito repellents, using mosquito nets while sleeping, and avoiding mosquito-prone areas,” the agency said.
Join 4 p.m. mosquito drive
As part of its national campaign, the DOH called on the public to participate in daily efforts to control mosquito breeding grounds.
The DOH’s 4 p.m. Mosquito Drive is a nationwide campaign urging Filipinos to take daily preventive measures against dengue-carrying mosquitoes at 4 p.m. when mosquito activity is at its peak.
The initiative emphasizes clean-up drives, eliminating stagnant water, fogging in high-risk areas, and promoting personal protection measures like wearing long sleeves and using mosquito repellents.
“WHO itself says: mosquito control remains the main means for the control of dengue. Let’s unite from Batanes to Jolo, every four o’clock, against mosquitoes!” said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.
The DOH chief also reiterated that early consultation is key, assuring the public that PhilHealth will cover medical expenses for dengue treatment.
“Keep the inside and outside of the house dry - do not allow mosquitoes to breed. Wear long sleeves and pants, use anti-mosquito lotion or spray. Consult early if you have symptoms - don’t worry about the cost, PhilHealth will cover it,” he said.