As Cebu dengue cases hit 3,759, PHO says no outbreak
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Dengue cases in Cebu Province have reached 3,759, including 21 deaths, as of September, but the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said this would not warrant a province-wide outbreak declaration.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Sheila Faciol said this was an increase from the roughly 2,000 cases recorded in 2025, but stressed that an outbreak declaration was not needed if its purpose was to release funds.
“For a local government unit to declare an outbreak, it would only be for the release of funds to mitigate the number of cases…We have enough logistics at this moment,” Faciol said in a press conference on Monday, September 14.
She said coordination and support for local government units remain in place, particularly in areas reporting the highest number of dengue cases.
READ: Cebu Province logs over 3,200 dengue cases from January to August
Cleanup operations and information drives are also ongoing as health officials work with LGUs to prevent further transmission.
Dengue fast lanes remain operational in all provincial and district hospitals, allowing patients with suspected dengue to undergo faster assessment and laboratory testing.
Faciol added that sufficient misting machines, larvicides, and other dengue prevention supplies would be available and could be provided to concerned LGUs when needed.
Spike in cases
PHO data showed that August recorded the sharpest monthly increase, with 1,643 cases, including seven deaths.
READ: Cebu Capitol hospitals activate dengue fast lanes as cases cluster
The LGUs with the highest number of cases in August were:
- Medellin — 240
- Talisay City — 214
- Toledo City — 161
- Dalaguete — 93
- Minglanilla — 84
- Cordova — 67
- Consolacion — 64
- Liloan — 51
- Argao — 50
- Danao City — 50
READ: Cebu City dengue deaths more than triple; cases up 65.5% —CHD
Meanwhile, the latest September data showed 431 cases, including one death. The localities with the highest number of cases in September were:
- Talisay City — 72
- Medellin — 60
- Toledo City — 38
- Dalaguete — 30
- Minglanilla — 21
- Argao — 19
- Cordova — 16
- Liloan — 16
- Danao City — 14
- Daanbantayan — 13
- San Remigio — 13
“We’ve seen in the last two weeks that cases are starting to drop, though we continue to monitor,” Faciol said.
Cases had started increasing gradually as early as June, which coincided with the start of the rainy season.
The increase prompted continued larviciding activities and coordination with local health units to strengthen dengue prevention efforts.
Dengue prevention
The World Health Organization said dengue is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which thrive in warm, humid tropical climates.
To reduce the risk of infection, the Department of Health has continued to promote the enhanced 4S Strategy.
The strategy calls for searching for and destroying breeding sites, practicing self-protection, seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging or spraying when indicated.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
