The Department of Health (DOH) warned Monday that eight more local government units in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon are at risk of experiencing a surge in dengue cases, similar to the ongoing outbreak in Quezon City.
DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo did not disclose the specific areas, but confirmed that nine localities across the three regions are seeing an increase in cases.
Quezon City declared a dengue outbreak on Saturday after reporting 1,769 cases from January 1 to February 14—a nearly 200% rise from the same period last year.
The city also recorded 10 dengue-related deaths this year, eight of whom were minors.
Nationwide, dengue cases have surged by 40%, with the DOH reporting 28,234 infections as of February 1, compared to the same period in 2024.
Despite the increase in cases, the DOH said fatality rate remains at 0.35%, meaning only a small fraction of cases result in death.
Domingo explained that stagnant water from recent rains serves as a breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes, even during drier months.
He emphasized that a fever reaching 40°C is one of the most common early symptoms of dengue.
“Dengue fever follows a pattern: the temperature spikes, then drops,” Domingo said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
He explained that after the fever subsides, warning signs such as bleeding gums, rashes, and changes in stool color may appear, indicating a severe stage of the disease.
Symptoms typically appear four to 10 days after a mosquito bite, and doctors advise seeking medical attention immediately upon noticing signs of dengue.
To combat the outbreak, Barangay Addition Hills in Mandaluyong City launched a reward program offering P1 for every five mosquitoes or larvae turned in, whether dead or alive.
An aquarium has been set up to collect the insects as part of an awareness campaign to control mosquito populations.
Barangay officials said the program, which begins February 21, was prompted by a rise in dengue cases in their area this year.
Meanwhile, in a concerted effort to combat the rising threat of dengue in the country, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) is set to officially launch the Empowering Networks to Defeat Dengue (EN.D. Dengue) Coalition on February 18.
The event will take place at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, gathering key medical societies and organizations committed to eradicating dengue in the Philippines.
The formation of the EN.D. Dengue Coalition follows a meeting held in January 2025, which was attended by major medical specialists.
During the meeting, the World Health Organization’s ambitious goal of reducing dengue cases by 50% and achieving zero dengue deaths by 2030 was discussed.
Dr. Erica Tania Davillo, Chair of the PMA AdHoc Committee on Dengue Advocacy, is optimistic about the coalition’s role in addressing the dengue crisis.
“Through public education campaigns, advocacy, and innovative solutions, our mission is to make a sustainable impact on reducing the incidence and severity of dengue cases,” she stated.
The event will highlight the coalition’s five key pillars in tackling dengue, which include: Epidemiology and Surveillance, Vector Control, Clinical Management, Vaccine Development, and Communication and Advocacy.