MANDAUE City has recorded a notable increase in dengue cases, with the City Health Office confirming a total of 248 cases and one fatality from Jan. 1 to May 7, 2025.
According to Dr. Frenzy Antonette Tadle, medical coordinator for Aedes-borne Viral Disease Prevention and Control of the Mandaue City Health Office (MCHO), the current figure reflects a 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
She shared this in an interview on Friday, May 9.
The lone fatality was a five-year-old child from Barangay Centro, the only cluster to record a death so far.
The child reportedly had a five-day history of fever before being admitted to a hospital on March 17.
This incident places Centro’s fatality rate at 2.27 percent, while the overall citywide fatality rate stands at 0.40 percent.
Following the child’s death, MCHO personnel visited the family’s residence and confirmed the presence of mosquito breeding sites in the area.
Tadle emphasized that the recent rains have caused water to stagnate in many homes, creating ideal conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vector of dengue.
“Ang ulan-ulan sa miaging mga adlaw maoy hinungdan nga daghan og stagnant water sa palibot, mao nga nisaka ang kaso sa dengue,” she said.
Based on MCHO cluster data, the top five barangays with the highest number of dengue cases are Canduman (21), Paknaan (19), Jagobiao (19), Banilad (16) and Maguikay (15).
These areas are currently under close monitoring, with localized interventions in place to contain the spread.
Tadle also noted that while this year was expected to be an outbreak year, early awareness efforts have helped mitigate what could have been a larger surge.
“We started early with strong awareness campaigns. So far, the cases have increased gradually, but we’re not seeing sharp spikes,” she said.
In response to the rising numbers, MCHO has activated and reinforced its Dengue Brigades in every barangay.
These community-based teams conduct regular cleanup drives, inspect households and lead public information campaigns.
The City Health Office is also promoting the “4S strategy” to combat dengue: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure self-protection through repellents and proper clothing, Seek early consultation when symptoms appear, and Support fogging and spraying in identified hotspot areas.
Tadle reminded the public to stay vigilant, especially with the rainy season approaching.
She urged residents to inspect their homes and surroundings regularly, eliminate stagnant water, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as high fever, rash, or joint pain develop. /CAV