Since July 2024, dengue cases outside Metro Manila have surged, prompting several local government units (LGUs) to declare states of calamity.
Ormoc City, Leyte reported a staggering 444 cases, marking a 225 percent increase from the same period last year. The Bicol Region also saw a 40 percent rise, recording 715 cases by mid-July 2024, compared to 512 in 2023. Similarly, Misamis Oriental in Mindanao has reported over 2,000 cases and 21 deaths. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for collective preventive measures.
The Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) stresses that dengue prevention must begin at home and extend throughout communities. With 12 chapters nationwide, the PPS actively promotes dengue awareness and prevention. Under Dr. Florentina Uy-Ty’s leadership from 2022 to 2024, the PPS launched the Dengue Integrated Program, which educates families on recognizing symptoms, managing cases, and adopting mosquito control practices. “Mosquitoes thrive where there are breeding sites,” Dr. Uy-Ty explained. “If we eliminate these, we reduce the risk of outbreaks.” The PPS encourages families to regularly clean their surroundings, particularly areas where stagnant water may collect.
The Dengue Integrated Program has three key components: vector control, healthcare provider training, and a Training of Trainers (TOT) segment to expand outreach. “Education is essential, but sustainability is a challenge,” said Uy-Ty, noting that consistent community engagement is crucial for long-term impact.
Uy-Ty also warns that dengue immunity is specific to each of the virus’s four strains, and contracting one strain does not prevent reinfection with another. Successive infections raise the risk of severe complications, making it essential to prevent initial and repeated infections. “We must correct the misconception that one dengue infection provides lifelong immunity,” she said, emphasizing that this belief creates a false sense of security.
PPS partnerships with LGUs play a critical role, as LGUs monitor and respond to local cases. The goal, according to Uy-Ty, is to achieve zero dengue mortality by 2030. Pending approval of a dengue vaccine by the Philippine Food and Drug Authority, the PPS continues to rely on vector control and public education. Adhering to the Department of Health’s 4S Strategy — Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and Support fogging in hotspot areas — the PPS advocates for vaccine availability to strengthen prevention.
