THE Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported a slight downtrend in dengue cases nationwide.

The DOH said it was a 5 percent decline — from 15,904 recorded Jan. 5-18 to 15,134 recorded from Jan. 19 to Feb. 15.

The slight downtrend was attributed to heightened public awareness resulting from intensified information campaign by the government against the deadly mosquito-borne disease.

Although the number of cases was higher in 2025 compared to 2024, the DOH said the case fatality ratio this year was 0.38 percent, lower than the 0.42 percent observed last year.

It added that the highest number of cases were recorded in three regions: Calabarzon (9,113), National Capital Region (7,551), and Central Luzon (7,362).

The DOH said 17 local government units within the said regions were dengue hotspots.

The dengue cases in all three regions combined account for more than half of cases nationwide, it added.

The public were reminded to seek early consultation upon observing symptoms like high fever of 40 degrees Celsius or higher, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and rashes.

DOH data showed that dengue was prevalent among the age groups of 10-14 years old and 5-9 years old.

The public was advised to use protective measures such as wearing clothes with long sleeves and using mosquito nets and repellents.

"The World Health Organization itself says: mosquito control remains the main means for the control of dengue," said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

All government hospitals and health facilities have been directed to reactivate their dengue fast lanes to ensure expedited triage, diagnoses, and treatment of suspected dengue cases, the DOH said.

Due to the threat of dengue, the DOH added that local government units were authorized to declare outbreaks.

All preventive measures and containment efforts against dengue would by supported by the DOH.