Press Release | 21 February 2025

Following instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to keep a close watch and act immediately, the Department of Health (DOH) is observing a slowdown in the trend of dengue cases recorded over the past four weeks nationwide. The number of cases from January 5 to 18, 2025, recorded to be 15,904, declined by 5% to 15,134 from January 19 to February 15, 2025. This welcome change may be due to heightened public awareness and collective action following the recent calls to action. In focus would be the more frequent clean-up drives to search and destroy stagnant water mosquito breeding sites, and misting or fogging in hotspot areas with high mosquito vector load.

The total number of dengue cases from January to February 15, 2025, well ahead of the usual wet or rainy season in June, is now at 43,732. The number is 56% higher than the 27,995 cases recorded in the same period last year. However, the case fatality ratio (CFR) this year, at 0.38%, continues to be lower than the 0.42% observed last year. Using World Health Organization (WHO) studies as reference, the Philippines’ nationwide Dengue CFR indicates timely diagnosis and appropriate management. The DOH continues to remind the public to seek early consultation once with any symptoms like high fever of 40 degrees Celsius or higher, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or rashes.

The high count may be found most in three regions that account for more than half of cases nationwide: CALABARZON (9,113), the National Capital Region (7,551), and Central Luzon (7,362). Seventeen (17) local government units within these regions are dengue hotspots.

The DOH recognizes the authority of local chief executives to declare outbreaks in their locality and is ready to support local governments in their intensified response efforts. The Centers for Health Development are also coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to implement necessary preventive measures to combat the spread of dengue. LGUs have also launched intensive vector control measures and clean-up drives to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

The DOH has already prepositioned thousands of Dengue IgG/IgM and Dengue RDT (NS1) test kits to augment possible logistical needs on the ground. All government hospitals and health facilities have been directed to reactivate their Dengue fast lanes to ensure expedited triage, diagnoses, and treatment of suspected Dengue cases.

Data shows that younger age groups are the most affected, with most cases among the age groups of 10 to 14 years old and 5 to 9 years old. Parents and caregivers are urged to take protective measures including dressing children in long-sleeved clothes and pants, applying mosquito repellents, using mosquito nets while sleeping, and avoiding mosquito-prone areas.

“WHO itself says: mosquito control remains the main means for the control of dengue. Let’s unite from Batanes to Jolo, every four o’clock, against mosquitoes!” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa. “Keep the inside and outside of the house dry – do not allow mosquitoes to breed. Wear long sleeves and pants, use anti-mosquito lotion or spray. Consult early if you have symptoms – don’t worry about the cost, PhilHealth will cover it,” the Health Chief added.