The rainy season has arrived, bringing cooler mornings, cloudy skies, and much-needed relief from months of scorching heat. But as the rain returns, so does a familiar health concern: dengue.

Dengue, also known as “breakbone fever,” is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle, and may cause anything from flu-like symptoms to severe, potentially life-threatening complications.

While dengue cases in the Philippines have declined, the disease remains a year-round public health concern, particularly during the rainy months. Here are eight things to know to help protect yourself and your family.

1. Dengue cases may be down, but the risk remains

The Department of Health (DoH) reported 50,727 dengue cases from January to May 2026, a 56 percent decrease compared with the same period last year.

The decline is encouraging, but dengue remains a public health concern. The rainy season can create more opportunities for Aedes mosquitoes to breed, keeping the risk present in communities.

2. Mosquito breeding grounds can be hiding in plain sight

It does not take a flooded street or days of heavy rain for mosquitoes to multiply. Sometimes, the biggest culprits are hiding in plain sight: a small puddle in the backyard, an uncovered water container, a clogged drain, or a flowerpot that has collected rainwater.

Regularly checking your surroundings and removing standing water can help reduce potential mosquito breeding sites.

3. Know the common symptoms of dengue

Dengue symptoms typically appear four to 10 days after infection and can last for two to seven days.

A sudden high fever may be accompanied by headache, pain behind the eyes, intense muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rash and fatigue.

Because these symptoms can initially resemble other common illnesses, it is important to monitor how symptoms develop and seek medical advice when necessary.

4. Know the warning signs of severe dengue

Some symptoms may indicate that dengue is becoming severe and require immediate medical attention.

These warning signs can include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, rapid breathing, respiratory distress, restlessness, excessive thirst, pale or cold skin, and extreme weakness or lethargy.

These symptoms should never be brushed off, as they can signal severe dengue and potentially life-threatening complications.

5. Seek medical attention early

When dengue is suspected, timely medical consultation matters. Rather than waiting for symptoms to become more serious, seeing a doctor early allows healthcare professionals to properly assess the condition, monitor for complications, and provide appropriate care.

Manila Doctors Hospital can be a go-to option for medical consultation and evaluation when dengue is suspected, particularly when fever persists or warning signs begin to appear.

6. Stay hydrated and be careful with medicines

While seeking medical care, staying hydrated is important to help prevent dehydration.

It is also best to avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs unless specifically advised by a physician, as these may increase the risk of bleeding. Paracetamol is generally used for fever management, unless a doctor recommends otherwise.

7. Protect yourself from mosquito bites

The Aedes mosquito is most active during the early morning and late afternoon, which means dengue prevention needs to happen beyond simply avoiding mosquitoes at night.

Regularly check the home for standing water, keep water containers covered, change the water in vases, maintain clean surroundings, use mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing, and make sure window screens are intact.

The DoH’s enhanced 4S strategy puts prevention into perspective: Search and destroy breeding sites, practice Self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging only during outbreaks as advised by health authorities.

8. Make dengue prevention a community effort

Dengue prevention is not just about keeping one household safe. It is a community effort.

Homes, schools, workplaces and public spaces can all become potential breeding grounds when standing water is left unchecked. The fewer breeding sites there are, the fewer opportunities mosquitoes have to spread the virus.

So, as the rain continues to fall, remember that preparing for the season means more than keeping an umbrella by the door. Check what is collecting water around your home, stay alert to changes in your health, and do not wait too long before seeking professional advice.

When it comes to dengue, prevention is always better than waiting for the fever to pass. And when symptoms appear, early consultation can make all the difference.