110,221 dengue cases reported nationwide

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 110,221 dengue cases with 437 fatalities have been reported in the country since the start of the year, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In a message read during the observance of Dengue Awareness Month yesterday, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the figure, which was recorded on May 10, was higher by 67 percent than the cases reported last year.

Herbosa’s message was read by DOH Assistant Secretary Farwa Hombre during the event led by the DOH-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD).

Dengue cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) increased by 224 percent compared to 2024, the DOH said.

Data from the DOH-MMCHD showed there were 19,083 dengue cases reported in the NCR from Jan. 1 to May 17.

A majority of the patients are school children, the DOH said, noting that children are not capable of protecting themselves.

“Children don’t know how to use insect repellent or are not aware of what kind of clothes to wear to protect themselves from mosquito bites. They also have low immunity,” Hombre said.

The DOH-MMCHD launched an anti-dengue activity at the Esteban Abada Elementary School in Project 7, Quezon City.

Hombre said the high number of dengue cases this year could be attributed to the weather.

“We experienced more rainshowers during the early part of this year, even as the rainy season had yet to start,” Hombre said.

DOH-MMCHD chief Lester Tan urged local government units and the public to intensify cleanup activities to prevent the spread of dengue.