The Department of Health (DOH) reported an 8 percent reduction in dengue infections nationwide between Oct. 12 and Oct. 25, with 14,038 cases logged compared to 15,182 in the preceding period from Sept. 28 to Oct. 11.
Despite the drop, the agency is warning of a potential rebound in cases following the flooding and heavy rains brought by Typhoon Tino and Typhoon Uwan, which could create plentiful mosquito-breeding sites.
The DOH explained that stagnant water left in containers such as discarded tires, used pots and trash bins after flooding provides ideal habitats for the dengue-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito.
In response, health officials are urging households to apply the “Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, Takip” strategy — emptying water containers, scrubbing them regularly, keeping them dry and covering them properly — and to seek immediate medical consultation for symptoms such as fever, rashes, body or muscle pain, eye pain, dizziness or vomiting.
The DOH underscored that community participation remains essential in preventing a post-typhoon surge in dengue infections.