JUST as the nation has fully recovered from the last pandemic comes this concerning report about another nascent public health problem caused by a virus.
The Department of Health (DOH) has noted the rising dengue cases in nine local government units (LGUs) spread out across National Capital Region, Calabarzon or Region 4-A, and Central Luzon. These three contiguous regions comprise the most populated places in Luzon.
DOH spokesman Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said that as of February 1, the DOH has recorded 28,234 dengue cases, 40 percent higher compared to the same period last year. As it is also half of the month of February, we expect the numbers to be higher than this estimate.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus and is prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries, such as in Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific islands, Latin America and Africa. The mild dengue fever causes high fever and flu-like symptoms. The severe form, also called dengue hemorrhagic fever, can cause serious bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and death.
`Health authorities have urged the public to observe the 4S strategy in fighting the dengue virus: search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds; self-protection measures,,,’
Quezon City is the first LGU to announce a dengue outbreak.
A law, the Notifiable Diseases Act, grants the local government units the power and the duty to report the outbreak of diseases. The DOH then can respond as needed when such a declaration has been made by the mayors and governors.
On Saturday, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte declared a dengue outbreak in the Philippines’ largest city after it listed 10 deaths and over 1,769 cases of the mosquito-borne disease in the first two months of 2025. This is nearly 200 percent higher than last year. DOH officials expressed gratitude and praise that Mayor Belmonte has taken responsibility and is acting proactively in responding to the outbreak.
Our health officials rely on tradition in preparing for the seasonal onset of dengue fever. The DOH traditionally receives reports about possible outbreaks around June or July during the rainy season. Now, such reports have filtered in early, when officially the country is still in the dry season.
The numbers show that there is a 40 percent rise of incidents this year, as compared to last year. It is concerning, too, that the cases occurred very early in the year. Domingo attributed this to climate change and the urban areas’ sloppy management of communities and infrastructure. In other words, we have been remiss in the cleanliness and sanitation side of governance.
“The cleanup drive is not seasonal, it has to happen year round,” said Assistant Secretary Domingo.
Health authorities have urged the public to observe the 4S strategy in fighting the dengue virus: search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds; self-protection measures; seek early medical consultation when experiencing symptoms; and support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas where dengue cases are on the rise.
Keep safe, fight those mosquitoes.
