In Cebu City: Dengue cases soar by 130%

CEBU, Philippines — Dengue cases in Cebu City have more than doubled compared to last year, with 701 infections recorded from January to April 2, 2025, according to the Cebu City Health Department (CHD).

CHD Chief Dr. Daisy Villa confirmed in an interview that the number of cases is significantly higher this year, although there have been no reported deaths so far.

Data she provided showed that in the same period last year, there were only 275 cases with two recorded deaths. This year’s figure marks a 130 percent increase in dengue infections compared to 2024.

Despite the rise, Villa said the situation remains manageable and the alert level has not reached the threshold for an outbreak.

“Di gyud ta maguol kay ngano in fact, wala gyud tay death sugod sa January until now,” said Villa in an interview on Monday.

She explained that the upward trend is not unique to Cebu City and is also being observed in other parts of Cebu Province and some areas in Bohol.

Villa attributed Cebu City’s high case count to its larger population, which naturally leads to higher infection numbers compared to neighboring cities like Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

According to Villa, although they were not able to prevent the spike in cases, existing countermeasures have been effective in preventing deaths.

Among the top 10 barangays with the most cases, Guadalupe leads with 45, followed by Basak San Nicolas with 40. Lahug and Mambaling each reported 34, Tisa with 33, and Basak Pardo with 28.

As of April 2, 2025, 21 new cases were logged for Morbitidy Week 13—lower than in previous weeks, but the overall trend remains higher than last year, particularly in the first few weeks when the initial spike was recorded.

The Department of Health in Central Visayas categorized Cebu City’s dengue alert status as “Endemic,” according to a March 3 memorandum.

Villa said it remains uncertain whether the public fully understands the importance of immediate medical consultation at the onset of symptoms, which could explain the rising numbers.

“So far, pagkakaron, active sad atong Health Center staff labi na atong Barangay Health Workers by doing their job,” she said.

To strengthen early detection, the CHD has reactivated its community fever surveillance system, which issues alerts when fevers are detected in specific areas.

Villa also reminded the public that dengue is not exclusive to the rainy season and urged vigilance during the dry months as well.

She cited, for example, that mosquito eggs hidden under flower vases can hatch once exposed to water —/ATO (FREEMAN)