Potential dengue outbreaks in 9 areas nationwide – DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) warned yesterday that apart from Quezon City, eight more areas in the country may soon declare a dengue outbreak due to a significant rise in cases.

According to DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, “the DOH sees a concerning increase in dengue cases in nine local government units (LGUs), including Quezon City.”

Domingo, however, refused to identify the cities or municipalities involved, explaining, “the LGUs are the ones authorized to make the declaration, by law.”

The DOH just mentioned that these areas are located across Calabarzon, Central Luzon and the National Capital Region.

Over the weekend, Quezon City officials declared a dengue outbreak, reporting 10 deaths due to the disease.

Domingo said DOH regional offices are now coordinating with the affected LGUs to address the increasing number of dengue cases.

“The DOH Centers for Health Development through their respective Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units have been advising their ESU counterparts at the LGU level,” he added.

The health department also revealed that sudden rains brought by climate change are contributing significantly to the rise in dengue cases.

“The problem is the water accumulated because of these heavy rains, and where there is stagnant water, there is the presence of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. However, much can still be done with the help of the LGUs,” Domingo said.
Latest data from the DOH show a sharp increase in dengue cases, with 28,234 reported as of Feb. 1 – a 40-percent rise from the previous year.

The data also highlighted an eight-percent surge in cases between Jan. 5 and 18, with 15,088 reported, compared to 13,980 cases between Dec. 22, 2024 and Jan. 4, 2025.

Sufficient blood supply

With the surge in dengue cases across the country, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) assured the public that there is a sufficient blood supply readily available for those affected by the mosquito-borne disease.

“The Red Cross is ready to provide blood anytime, anywhere. With the rising demand for blood, especially as dengue cases increase across the country, we are committed to ensuring that every hospital has the supply it needs to save lives,” PRC chairman Richard Gordon said in a statement.

Meanwhile, PRC secretary-general Dr. Gwen Pang stressed the importance of blood donation, noting that the demand for blood is particularly high during dengue outbreaks.

“I encourage everyone to make blood donation your lifestyle because this is not only good for your health, but it also helps save lives,” Pang said.

From January to mid-February 2025, the organization provided 1,078 blood units for dengue cases, marking a 106-percent increase compared to 524 units during the same period in 2024.

Additionally, the PRC reported that during the same timeframe, it served 360 dengue patients – a 109-percent increase from the 172 patients treated in 2024.

To mitigate the outbreak, the DOH reminds the public to seek early consultation, eliminate mosquito breeding sites and practice self-protection by using anti-repellent lotions and wearing long sleeves and pants when possible.

The department also encourages the public to support fogging operations in areas identified as dengue hotspots.