MANILA — In an urgent response to a spike in dengue fever cases, the city government of Manila has called on village chiefs to intensify their clean-up efforts, particularly during the rainy season, which poses a high risk for outbreaks.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative follows reports of 131 dengue cases in the city from July 21 to August 9, including 23 confirmed cases and one fatality. The Mayor emphasized that proactive measures by village officials could significantly reduce the incidence of this mosquito-borne disease. “Dengue is a disease that can be prevented. It is carried by mosquitoes but can be prevented if our surroundings are clean,” Mayor Lacuna stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining cleanliness to deter mosquito breeding.

Residents were also advised to ensure that water containers are securely covered to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in stagnant water. “Let’s clean our canals as these are breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes,” she added, pinpointing another critical preventive measure.

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a concerning increase in dengue cases nationwide, with 128,834 incidents recorded from January 1 to July 27 this year. This marks a 33 percent increase from the 97,211 cases reported during the same period in 2023, underscoring the urgency of intensified local efforts.