As rainy season sets in: How to protect yourself from dengue

Frequent rains may bring relief from the heat, but they also create ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes that spread dengue, increasing the risk of infection in many communities.

Before rainwater collects in uncovered containers and other stagnant areas, health authorities are reminding the public that simple household practices remain the best defense against dengue.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which thrive in warm and humid tropical climates like the Philippines.

Residents are encouraged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, protect themselves from bites, recognize symptoms early, and seek medical attention without delay.

Preventing dengue

The Department of Health (DOH) has continued to promote its “4Ts” dengue prevention campaign — Taob, Taktak, Tuyo ug Takip — to help households stop mosquitoes from breeding.

Taob: Turn over containers

Turn over buckets, bottles, used tires, cans, and other containers that may collect rainwater to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs there.

Taktak: Empty standing water

Pour out or shake off water from flower pots, plant trays, vases, and similar items where mosquito eggs or larvae may already be present.

Tuyo: Keep areas dry

After removing water, dry containers and nearby surfaces to discourage mosquitoes from breeding again.

Takip: Cover stored water

Keep drums, water tanks, pails, and other water storage containers tightly covered to prevent mosquitoes from reaching clean water.

The DOH also advised households to inspect, clean, and replace stored water at least once every seven days, or more frequently whenever possible.

Other recommended preventive measures include wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants, applying insect repellent, and using mosquito nets.

Know the warning signs

Health officials have stressed that early consultation can help prevent dengue from developing into a severe and potentially life-threatening illness.

The DOH advised anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with dengue to visit the nearest health center or hospital immediately instead of waiting for the condition to worsen.

According to the WHO, many people infected with dengue experience mild illness or no symptoms and usually recover within one to two weeks.

However, some infections can progress into severe dengue, which requires urgent medical treatment.

Symptoms usually appear four to 10 days after infection and commonly last between two and seven days. Common symptoms of dengue include:

• High fever of up to 40 degrees Celsius

• Severe headache

• Pain behind the eyes

• Muscle and joint pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Swollen glands

• Skin rash

Warning signs of severe dengue

The WHO also warned that individuals infected with dengue for a second time face a greater risk of developing severe dengue.

Warning signs of severe dengue often appear after the fever begins to subside and may include:

• Severe abdominal pain

• Persistent vomiting

• Rapid breathing

• Bleeding from the gums or nose

• Extreme fatigue

• Restlessness

• Blood in vomit or stool

• Intense thirst

• Pale or cold skin

• Weakness

Dengue cases in Central Visayas

The DOH recorded around 2,425 dengue cases across Central Visayas during the first five months of 2026, covering data up to the second week of May.

The region also logged 18 dengue-related deaths during the same period.

Dr. Ronald Buscato, head of the DOH-7 Communicable Diseases Section, said that dengue fatalities this year were about 80 percent higher than those recorded during the same period in 2025, when the region reported nine to 10 deaths.

Buscato also noted a shift in the age groups affected by dengue, with more infections now seen among young and middle-aged adults instead of primarily school-aged children.

Source: www.cebudailynews.inquirer.net