WITH the onset of the rainy season, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported over a 200 percent rise in dengue cases in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Data provided by the DOH-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) showed 19,083 dengue cases reported in the NCR from January 1 to May 17 this year.
“This reflects a 224 percent increase compared to the same period last year, which was 5,896 cases,” said the DOH-MMCHD.
Even on the national level, the DOH noted there are more cases of the mosquito-borne disease in 2025 than in 2024.
From January 1 to May 10, 2025, the health department noted that a total of 110,221 dengue cases were recorded.
“This is a 67 percent increase from last year,” said the DOH.
In an interview in Quezon City during the observance of the Dengue Awareness Month, DOH Assistant Secretary Farwa Hombre said the high number of dengue cases in 2025 can be attributed to climate change.
“This can be attributed to the changes in the weather pattern. Compared to last year, we saw more rain showers in the early parts of the year, even before the rainy season,” said Hombre.
DOH-MMCHD Director Lester Tan said they are calling on all local government units (LGUs) and the general public to implement community-based programs, such as intensified clean-up drives and installation of vector control measures against dengue.
He said the reduction of mosquito-breeding sites can be done using four key actions, namely, Taob (tip over), Taktak (beat), Tuyo (dry), and Takip (cover).
“Dengue prevention is a shared responsibility and every member of the community has a role to play by maintaining cleanliness and participating in LGU-led clean-up activities,” said Tan.
