Dengue cases rise by 6.8 percent

CEBU, Philippines — Dengue cases in Mandaue City rose by 6.8 percent in the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the City Health Office’s (CHO) latest Dengue Surveillance Report.

From January 1 to July 30, the city recorded 373 dengue cases, including one death.

Of the total cases, 96, or 26%, were laboratory-confirmed, while 137, or 37%, were classified as probable cases and 140, or 38%, as suspected cases.

CHO Assistant Head Dr. Phyllis Bidon attributed the increase in cases to the rainy season, particularly during June and July.

“Community effort man gud na siya ang prevention,” said Dr. Bidon in an interview, adding that despite the increase in cases, Mandaue City is not among the top 10 local government units with the highest number of dengue cases.

Patients ranged in age from newborns to 87 years old, with a median age of 13 years. Males accounted for 204 cases, or 55% of the total.

Children aged one to 10 years remained the most affected age group, accounting for 38.9% of all reported cases.

Meanwhile, the city recorded a case fatality rate of 0.3%, lower than the 0.6% recorded at the end of 2025, when Mandaue logged 520 dengue cases and three deaths.

Among Mandaue’s 27 barangays, Barangay Tabok recorded the highest share of dengue cases at 8%, followed by Barangays Alang-alang and Cabancalan with 6.7% each, and Barangay Umapad with 6.2%.

The increase comes as Mandaue continues to strengthen its dengue prevention measures during the rainy season. In June, the City Council approved a resolution urging all barangays to activate their Dengue Task Forces to intensify monitoring and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

The task forces, primarily composed of barangay health workers, are expected to monitor dengue cases and help implement preventive measures, including identifying and eliminating stagnant water where dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed.

Bidon also reiterated the CHO’s call for the public to practice the Department of Health’s 4S strategy; Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, and Support targeted spraying in hotspot areas.

“Mag 4S gihapon ta. Every 4 o’clock, throw away gyud tag stagnant water kay diha man gud mu-breed ang mosquito,” Bidon said, stressing that dengue prevention requires the participation of every household, not just the local government.

She also encouraged residents to wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, use mosquito repellent, and seek immediate medical consultation once dengue symptoms appear. — /IHM (FREEMAN)