DOH urges public to intensify anti-mosquito efforts before rainy season

The Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public and local government units to intensify efforts against mosquitoes before the rainy season to prevent a surge in dengue cases.

Despite a 10 percent decrease in dengue cases between February 2 and March 1 compared to January, the DOH reported a total of 62,313 cases from January to March, marking a 73 percent increase year-over-year.

CALABARZON recorded the highest number of cases with 12,735 followed by NCR with 11,291 and Central Luzon with 10,185. Although case fatality rates have decreased slightly to 0.35 percent this year from 0.42 percent in 2024, the DOH emphasized the importance of preventing Aedes mosquitoes from breeding before the rains.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa warned that Aedes mosquitoes can lay up to one hundred eggs and develop into adult mosquitoes within seven to ten days, stressing the need for immediate action.

The DOH continues to promote its 'Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito' campaign, which includes activities like overturning containers, draining stagnant water, drying wet areas, and covering water storage to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.