Philippines Reports 46% Drop in Dengue Cases, But Some Areas Breach Alert Thresholds

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 93,155 dengue cases have been recorded this year, which is lower by 46 percent than the number of infections reported in 2025, according to the Department of Health. DOH data showed the figure, which was recorded from Jan. 4 to Aug. 1, is lower by 80,922 than the 174,077 cases recorded during the same period last year. The number of dengue fatalities is also lower with 386, while 699 died from the mosquito-borne disease in 2025. Among regions, Central Luzon recorded the highest number of cases with 16,057 followed by the National Capital Region with 10,611 and Calabarzon with 10,320. Davao region and Zamboanga peninsula reported 7,537 and 6,124 cases, respectively. The DOH reported that from July 5 to Aug. 1, several areas have breached the epidemic threshold including the cities of Mandaluyong, Lapu-Lapu and Zamboanga as well as the provinces of Abra, Agusan del Sur, Albay, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Davao Oriental, La Union, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga Sibugay. The cities of Cebu and Mandaue as well as the province of Davao de Oro breached the alert threshold. A dengue alert threshold serves as an early warning for local government units and related agencies to prepare for the disease. The epidemic threshold indicates an active, widespread outbreak requiring urgent action. “Practice taob or flip, taktak or shake, tuyo or dry up and takip or cover all containers to prevent them from becoming breeding sites of mosquitos,” the DOH said. Dengue is an acute viral infection transmitted through the bite of aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus mosquitoes.