With the onset of the rainy season, the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) has strongly advised the public to practice preventive measures against dengue through the 4S Kontra Dengue strategy.
The health department reiterated a recent advisory after it noted a considerable 112% increase in the number of dengue cases in the first five months of 2025.
In a recent press conference, Entomologist II John Dominic Bolunia, Dengue Control Program Coordinator, disclosed that a total of 952 cases were recorded in the region from January 1, 2025 to May 24, 2025, compared to just 450 in the same period in 2024.
In Catanduanes, the number of dengue cases during the period totaled 181, an increase of 187% from the 2024 figure of just 63 cases during the same period last year, DOH records show.
Except for Albay which had 43 cases and 2% less than the previous year’s, the other four provinces showed surging dengue cases: Camarines Norte, 208 (+94%); Camarines Sur, 335 (+107%); Masbate, 87 (+181%); and Sorsogon, 94 (+`135%).
The 4S Kontra Dengue strategy consists of the following:
- Search and Destroy mosquito breeding sites, keep surrounding areas clean, and cover water containers
- Self-Protection Measures – wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed shoes, use mosquito net while sleeping, and use a mosquito repellant)
- Seek Early Consultation – immediately consult your Primary Care Provider if symptoms (such as fever, rashes, dizziness and vomiting, body pain, muscle pain, and pain in the eyes) arise
- Support Fogging in Outbreak Areas Only
“Environmental sanitation is the most effective, cheapest and safest intervention to control and prevent dengue,” Bolunia stressed.
The DOH Bicol CHD is continuing efforts with its partners and local government units to strengthen the implementation of the National Dengue Control Program. (DOH5/MDUB)