ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) is sounding the alarm over the sharp 91 percent surge in dengue cases in Western Visayas, urging local government units (LGUs) and the public to intensify preventive efforts amid the onset of the rainy season.
From January 1 to June 14, 2025, the region recorded 6,082 dengue cases — a steep increase from the 3,186 cases reported in the same period last year, according to DOH data.
Children aged 1 to 10 years comprise the most affected age group, accounting for 34% of the cases, followed by those aged 11 to 20 (30%) and 21 to 30 (14%).
“Following several weeks of rainfall across the region, there is an increase in stagnant water accumulation, which becomes ideal grounds for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes,” said Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, Medical Officer IV and head of the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease (EREID) Program of DOH Region 6.
Warm and humid conditions during rainy weather support mosquito breeding, she explained, thus, higher mosquito density increases the risk for transmission.
Dengue is a potentially life-threatening viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected day-biting female Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and in some cases, bleeding.
In response, the DOH-6 continues to coordinate with the Department of Education and LGUs to implement “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” activities in schools and intensified vector control in dengue hotspots and barangays with clustering of cases.
Natalaray emphasized the importance of adopting the “4Ts” strategy to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds:
* Taob (turn containers upside down)
* Taktak (empty water-collecting containers)
* Tuyo (dry surfaces), and
* Takip (cover water containers)
Additionally, she encouraged LGUs to fully implement the expanded “4S” strategy:
1. Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, particularly stagnant water in households and workplaces;
2. Secure self-protection by wearing long clothing and applying mosquito repellents;
3. Seek early consultation at the first sign of symptoms; and
4. Support fogging or misting in high-risk areas to curb outbreaks.
Natalaray reiterated that while fogging can help in outbreak zones, the most effective strategy remains community-driven efforts to eliminate breeding sites./PN
