The Department of Health (DoH) logged 76,425 dengue cases from 1 January to 15 March.

This represents a 78 percent increase from the same period in 2024 (48,822).

The regions with the highest number of cases are Calabarzon (15,108 cases), National Capital Region (13,761) and Central Luzon (12,424).

Most of the patients are 14 years old and under, but the case fatality rate remains low at one percent, the DoH noted.

The DoH observed that a large percentage of dengue deaths recorded from 1 January to 15 March showed warning signs, including abdominal pain, bleeding, vomiting and weakness.

“When symptoms appear, it is important to consult the nearest health center or DoH hospital where the dengue fast lane is located,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said.

“PhilHealth also provides benefits for services that may be needed and can even be provided free of charge at government clinics or hospitals,” Herbosa added.

The DoH recently instructed all government hospitals to activate dengue fast lanes to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment for patients.

PhilHealth, meanwhile, has increased its benefit package for severe dengue, covering hospitalization costs up to P47,000, and for mild dengue, up to P19,500.

NCR logs highest case of measles-rubella

Meanwhile, The National Capital Region (NCR) logged the highest case of measles-rubella with 295 cases, according to the latest DoH data.

The DoH also recorded 1,185 MR cases nationwide, which is 27 percent higher than the 930 cases in the same period last year.

Among the top regions with the most cases following NCR are Central Luzon with 150 cases and Calabarzon with 144 cases.

According to the DoH, most of those affected are still unvaccinated (802 or 68 percent).

Herbosa said they continue to monitor measles cases in the country in conjunction with an intensified campaign to vaccinate all Filipino children against this disease.

“In any areas where many children are unvaccinated, the number of cases is also higher,” Herbosa noted. “Parents, come and get your children vaccinated against measles.”

The Health chief reminded that routine immunization continues in all regions of the country for children aged zero to 12 months to protect them against various diseases, including measles.

Under this, the first dose of the measles vaccine is given at nine months, while the second dose is at one year.

The DoH has also intensified the widespread catch-up immunization currently underway in several regions of the country.

Catch-up immunization is for children aged one to four who have not completed their routine immunization within the prescribed period.

In partnership with local government units, barangay health workers, and other sectors, the DoH aims to reach all unvaccinated children through this campaign.