City Health Office urges public vigilance, cites cyclical outbreak pattern
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Dengue cases in the city have increased by 42% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with 742 infections and three recorded deaths, the City Health Office (CHO) reported.
City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite, in a press briefing held at City Hall on May 28, said the total was recorded as of Morbidity Week 20 (January 1 to May 17), up from 524 cases during the same period in 2024. Most of the cases involved children aged 1 to 10 years, accounting for 53% or 390 cases. The case fatality rate stands at 0.40%.
Despite the rise, Dr. Miravite clarified that the number of infections has not breached the epidemic threshold for the past four morbidity weeks. However, she emphasized the importance of staying alert, noting that Zamboanga City historically experiences dengue outbreaks every two to three years.
“We continue to monitor our dengue cases in Zamboanga City because our trends show that every two to three years, we have a dengue outbreak,” she said. “That’s why we are appealing to the public to help us prevent further transmission.”
The CHO highlighted the importance of practicing the 4S Strategy to prevent mosquito-borne infections:
- Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites
- Seek early consultation when symptoms appear
- Self-protect through the use of repellents and protective clothing
- Support fogging operations in identified hotspot areas
Barangays with the highest number of reported cases include Kasanyangan, San Roque, and Talon-Talon, each with 30 cases. When ranked by attack rate per 10,000 population, Sta. Catalina, Baliwasan, and Labuan were among the top.
Clustering of dengue cases—defined as multiple infections within a four-week period—was observed in eight barangays. Cawit, Sta. Catalina, and Kasanyangan recorded five clusters each; Recodo, Sta. Maria, and Sinunuc had four clusters each; while Talon-Talon and San Roque reported three clusters each.
Dr. Miravite assured the public that the City Health Office continues to conduct surveillance, public education campaigns, and inter-agency coordination to manage and control dengue transmission.
“We are working to protect the health and safety of all Zamboangueños,” she said.