Non-stop dengue monitoring ordered despite drop in cases

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Health (DOH) to maintain strict monitoring of dengue cases, even as recent data shows a notable decline in infections nationwide.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro credited the DOH’s swift response and its “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” campaign for the downward trend in cases.

“Naging mabilis rin ang pagbibigay ng sapat na medical attention para sa mga dumudulog sa dengue fast lanes ng DOH hospitals,” Castro said during a Palace press briefing on Friday.

She reported that dengue cases dropped from 12,050 between March 2 to 15, to 9,289 from March 16 to 29.

The “Alas Kwatro” initiative urges households, schools, and offices to conduct daily mosquito control measures at 4:00 PM. Castro reiterated the DOH’s reminder to maintain cleanliness and prepare for the rainy season when dengue cases typically rise.

The campaign emphasizes four simple steps—“Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, Takip”—to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Castro also highlighted how health awareness initiatives encouraged early consultations, contributing to a reduced case fatality rate.

According to the DOH, the case fatality rate remains low at 0.36 percent, or roughly four deaths per 1,000 reported dengue cases.