Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa on Wednesday, April 2 said dengue cases in the Philippines have increased by 75 percent this year compared to 2024, which could lead to a major outbreak.

In an interview on GMA’s Unang Balita, Herbosa explained that dengue outbreaks tend to occur every three to five years, with the last major outbreak recorded in 2019. 

“Tumaas ang ating dengue cases by over 75 percent kumpara last year. Ine-expect natin na ito siguro ‘yung taon—every three to five years kasi na nagkakaroon tayo ng outbreak ng dengue [outbreak]. Ang outbreak nating huli 2019 so naghihintay tayo ng malaking outbreak,” Herbosa said.

(The country's dengue cases have increased by over 75 percent compared to last year. We expect that this could be the year—because outbreaks of dengue happen every three to five years. Our last outbreak was in 2019, so we are expecting a big outbreak this year).

He noted that, with the recent uptick in cases, the country is likely entering another peak period for the disease.

Herbosa attributed the rise in cases to several factors, including the circulation of dengue variants and the impact of climate change. 

He pointed out that the unusually rainy weather in January and February contributed to a spike in mosquito populations, along with the warmer temperatures that create conditions more favorable for mosquito breeding.

To address the growing threat, Herbosa said the DOH is intensifying efforts through its “Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, at Takip” program, which aims to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by removing standing water from various household and public spaces. 

Herbosa also urged the public to adopt the “4 o'clock habit”—a daily routine of checking and cleaning areas where water can accumulate, such as containers and gutters.