MANILA: Dengue and leptospirosis cases nationwide showed contrasting trends in the latest reporting period, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
In the latest two-week reporting period, dengue cases stood at 22,095 from Sept 17 to Sept 30, two per cent lower than the 22,479 cases recorded from Sept 3 to Sept 16.
The decline was also reflected in the year-to-date figures.
The DOH recorded a total of 205,347 dengue cases as of Oct 14, down 22 per cent from the 261,749 cases reported during the same period in 2025.
It also reported a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.38 per cent.
Eleven provinces and highly urbanised cities (P/HUCs) across nine regions, however, remained flagged for localised increases in dengue cases.
In Metro Manila, the City of Manila recorded 4,048 dengue cases as of Oct 19, based on data from the Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance System.
Quezon City, meanwhile, recorded 6,302 cases as of Oct 12, according to its Epidemiology and Surveillance Division.
Meanwhile, leptospirosis cases also dropped by 55 per cent over a two-week period in September. The DOH recorded 1,159 cases from Sept 17 to Sept 30, down from 2,570 cases from Sept 3 to Sept 16.
Despite the decline, the department recorded a total of 13,530 leptospirosis cases as of Oct 14. This was 47 per cent higher than the 9,188 cases reported during the same period in 2025.
The number of provinces and highly urbanised cities (P/HUCs) flagged for leptospirosis also fell to six from 46 in previous weeks.
The disease’s case fatality rate (CFR) declined to 5.41 per cent this year from 10.37 per cent in 2025.
The DOH is urging the public to take precautions against both diseases while coordinating with local government units in areas flagged for increased cases.
For dengue prevention, the DOH is promoting the Enhanced 4S Strategy, which includes eliminating mosquito breeding sites, protecting oneself from mosquito bites, seeking early consultation and supporting vector control activities.
Through its “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” campaign, the DOH is also urging the public to practise the 4Ts: Taob (turn over), Taktak (shake), Tuyo (dry) and Takip (cover) to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
To prevent leptospirosis, the DOH advised the public to avoid floodwaters and seek early medical consultation after exposure. It is also pre-positioning doxycycline supplies in flood-prone and other high-risk areas for post-exposure prevention and treatment when indicated. - Inquirer/ANN
