DOH reports drop in dengue cases in January 2026

The Department of Health (DOH) reported a significant decline in dengue cases in January 2026 compared with the same period last year, attributing the decrease to intensified prevention efforts and public cooperation.

From 4 to 24 January, the country recorded 7,471 dengue cases, significantly lower than the 25,652 infections reported during the same period in 2025, according to the DOH. Health officials said the drop reflects the impact of sustained preventive measures, particularly the government’s “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” campaign, which urges households to eliminate mosquito breeding sites through simple daily practices.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa underscored that dengue continues to affect mostly young people, noting that individuals who have not previously contracted the illness remain highly susceptible to infection. He cautioned that dengue transmission is not confined to storms or the rainy season, stressing that cases can occur year-round and tend to rise only because wet weather creates more breeding areas.

The DOH said the latest figures should serve as a reminder for communities to sustain anti-dengue measures even when case numbers appear low. Without strict control of stagnant water and other mosquito habitats, health officials warned that infections could surge again.

As part of its long-term public health agenda, the DOH is targeting zero dengue-related deaths nationwide by 2030, banking on early detection, timely treatment, and aggressive prevention. The agency reiterated that public cooperation remains critical in preventing another rise in dengue cases despite the encouraging start to 2026.