Kids below 10 make up almost half of Mandaue dengue cases

CEBU, Philippines — Nearly half of the reported dengue cases in Mandaue City from January to May this year involve children below 10 years old according to the Mandaue City Health Office (MCHO).

The MCHO has recorded a total of 257 dengue cases with two deaths recorded from January 1 to May 25, 2025, with 122 cases involving children aged zero to nine years old.

These reported cases are 9.3% higher compared to the same period accumulated last year.

Among all of the barangays in the city, Barangay Canduman reported the most cases with 24, followed by Barangay Jagobiao with 20 cases and Barangays Maguikay and Labogon with both 15 cases.

Dr. Frenzy Antonette Tadle, medical coordinator of Dengue Prevention and Control of MCHO shared that with the rainy season, cases of dengue are expected to increase especially because of stagnant waters from rainfall.

However, Tadle noted that dengue cases are not just present during rainy season.

“The difference is that di na lang siya ting-uwan ra ang dengue, it’s a year-long nga problem,” said Tadle.

She added that 2025 is being monitored as a likely outbreak year, with the possibility of a doubled number of cases.

Fortunately, Mandaue City has one of the lowest dengue cases in highly-urbanized cities across the region according to Tadle.

“Maningkamot jud ta’g taman na di na ta musaka og maayo,” Tadle stated.

In an effort to spread awareness, the city as well adheres to the 4S of Department of Health (DOH) in dengue prevention and control.

The 4S of DOH urges to search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection measures, support spraying in hotspot areas to prevent impending outbreak, and seek early consultation.

In line with this, Tadle emphasized the importance of early consultation when experiencing symptoms of dengue.

“Early consultation is key but number one is prevention,” Tadle added.

Tadle also shared that when a dengue case is reported, the MCHO conducts a home visit to verify the patient’s residency and confirm whether the infection was acquired within Mandaue, ensuring the accuracy of the city’s dengue case records. — Giane Kate Pilapil and Shyrielle Lariosa, CNU interns (FREEMAN)