CEBU, PHILIPPINES — Cebu City has recorded a double-digit increase in dengue cases and a more than threefold rise in fatalities this year, prompting health officials and the Cebu City Council to intensify prevention efforts, particularly in schools and communities.
The latest surveillance report from the City Epidemiology Surveillance and Statistics Unit (CESSU) of the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) showed that from January 1 to July 18, 2026, the city logged 1,228 dengue cases and 10 deaths, translating to a case fatality rate of 0.81 percent.
The figures represent a 12.35-percent increase in infections from the 1,093 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.
Deaths also rose sharply from three last year to 10 this year. Patients ranged in age from two months to 96 years old, with a median age of 12. Children aged one to 10 years accounted for 498 cases, or 40.55 percent of the total, while males comprised 661 cases, or 53.83 percent.
The city recorded 17 new infections from July 12 to 18, following a peak of 78 cases two weeks earlier. Although case numbers remain below epidemic thresholds, health officials noted that this year’s trend is consistently higher than last year’s.
Historical trend
Historical data underscore the cyclical nature of dengue transmission in Cebu City.
The city reported 1,081 confirmed and suspected cases with 14 deaths in 2020. Cases dropped significantly to 256 in 2021 before surging to 2,679 in 2022 with 22 deaths.
In 2023, infections declined to 760 cases and three deaths but climbed to 4,370 cases and 21 deaths in 2024. Cases eased to 1,847 with 13 deaths in 2025.
With 1,228 cases and 10 deaths already recorded by mid-July this year, health officials warned that fatalities have reached concerning levels despite lower overall case numbers than previous peak years.
Hard-hit barangays
Guadalupe recorded the highest number of dengue cases this year with 80, followed by Basak San Nicolas (64), Lahug (57), Labangon (53), and Tisa (48).
Other barangays with high case counts were Mambaling (44), Kalunasan (40), Punta Princesa (37), Pasil (36), and Duljo, Quiot and Talamban with 34 cases each.
When adjusted for population, however, smaller barangays posted higher incidence rates.
San Nicolas Central topped the list with 4.99 cases per 1,000 population, followed by Pasil (4.07), Sto. Niño (3.74), Sawang Calero (3.46), Ermita (3.23), Sirao (2.60), Carreta (2.42), Kamagayan (2.37), San Antonio (2.31), and Sambag 2 (2.18).
CESSU also confirmed 10 dengue-related deaths involving patients ranging from toddlers to senior citizens. Cases included severe dengue, dengue with warning signs, and dengue without warning signs.
Patients were admitted to various hospitals, including Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu City Medical Center, St. Vincent General Hospital and Visayas Community Medical Center.
Rains blamed
Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, who heads the Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Management Council, attributed the increase in dengue cases to persistent rains that have left many areas waterlogged and clogged with uncollected waste.
He said stagnant water and improperly managed garbage have blocked drainage systems, creating ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes.
His observations mirror CESSU data showing that children aged one to 10 remain the most affected age group.
In response, the CCHD reiterated its 5S Dengue Prevention Strategy: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection through repellents and protective clothing, seek early consultation for suspected cases, support vector control measures such as misting and larviciding, and sustain hydration during recovery.
Residents were urged to participate in community clean-up drives, dispose of waste properly, and regularly clean and cover water containers.
Health centers have also been directed to intensify surveillance, conduct GIS mapping of cases, and strengthen environmental management to curb further transmission.
City Health Officer Dr. Daisy S. Villa emphasized that while Cebu City has not breached epidemic thresholds, the steady rise in infections and fatalities requires heightened vigilance.
Officials also noted that figures remain subject to validation because of delayed reporting from some health facilities.
Tumulak appealed to residents and barangay officials to work together in preventing further infections.
He urged households to eliminate stagnant water, use mosquito repellents or bed nets, and seek immediate consultation at health centers when fever or other dengue symptoms appear.
He likewise encouraged barangay officials to closely coordinate with the City Health Department in implementing anti-dengue programs.
“Magtinabangay kita para dili mudaghan ang kaso sa dengue sa atong dakbayan,” Tumulak said.
Schools tapped in dengue prevention
Amid the rising number of dengue cases, the Cebu City Council has urged all public and private schools to conduct regular “Search and Destroy” activities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites within their campuses.
The call was formalized through a resolution authored by Councilor Sisinio Andales and approved during the council’s latest regular session.
The resolution directs schools to routinely inspect and remove stagnant water from containers, canals, gutters, discarded tires, flower pots, and other areas where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed.
It stressed that dengue remains a major public health concern, particularly during the rainy season when mosquito populations increase.
Because schools accommodate large numbers of students, teachers and staff every day, the council said educational institutions must maintain clean and safe environments.
The measure also encourages the participation of school administrators, teaching and non-teaching personnel, students, parents and surrounding communities in sustaining dengue prevention efforts.
Copies of the resolution will be furnished to the Department of Education-Cebu City Division, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VII, the Cebu City Health Department, and all educational institutions in Cebu City for immediate implementation.
Written by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/FPL
