With dengue cases soaring in 2025, registering an increase of 421 percent in Negros Occidental, compared to the same period last year, the need to be more aware and proactive as far as the infectious disease is concerned has become more pronounced.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and a skin rash. In severe cases, the disease can progress to life-threatening conditions marked by severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, blood in bodily excretions, and breathing difficulties. Six deaths have been recorded in the province for the first two months of the year.
The Department of Health encourages those who observe symptoms to seek early consultation and treatment, as well as ensure the cleanliness of surroundings to prevent the development of breeding areas of mosquitoes. It calls on Filipino families to search and destroy breeding sites of mosquitoes and for barangay officials to support fogging activities.
In areas where infections are prevalent, using mosquito repellents, nets, long sleeved shirts, pants, and socks, can also help protect from bites that could result in contracting dengue.
Despite our extensive experience with it, dengue continues to be one of the most pressing public health issues in the Philippines. The tropical climate, coupled with urbanization and inconsistent sanitation efforts, has created an ideal breeding ground for the mosquitoes that spread the disease. A proactive, multifaceted approach is essential to combat the rise of dengue, and it requires the collective effort of the government, local communities, and individuals.
The effort against dengue will require education, sanitation, cooperation, early medical consultation, which is a shared responsibility among all sectors in the country. If everyone works together every time the alert is raised, succeeding dengue seasons could result in less infections and deaths, instead of us being used to things staying the same, or even getting worse, which is what is already happening at the start of 2025.*
