Authorities in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro have declared simultaneous outbreaks of dengue fever and measles as cases of both diseases reach alarming levels.

Dr. Meldie Soriano, Municipal Health Officer of Sablayan, confirmed that dengue cases have increased by 267% compared to the same period last year.

From January 1, 2025 to March 15, 2025, health officials recorded 235 dengue cases, up from just 64 cases during the same timeframe in 2024.

Five children aged between four and six years have died from the disease.

“We’ve declared an outbreak after reaching the epidemic threshold,” Dr. Soriano said during a radio interview. “This allows us to release emergency funds and procure necessary equipment. We’ve already acquired numerous dengue test kits.”

Dr. Soriano suggested that cooler weather conditions may have contributed to the rapid mosquito breeding, noting that mosquitoes can lay eggs even in morning dew.

In a parallel health crisis, local government officials were surprised by a sudden rise in measles cases among the indigenous Mangyan population.

Since February 2, 2025, 64 measles cases have been reported, with 32 confirmed through laboratory testing at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Health authorities got alarmed it when numerous Mangyan people descended from mountainous areas seeking treatment at rural health units.

Dr. Soriano explained that vaccine hesitancy due to misinformation had previously been common among indigenous communities.

However, since declaring the measles outbreak, more than 1,000 indigenous people have come forward to be vaccinated.

“We’re conducting an outbreak response immunization campaign,” Dr. Soriano said. “Our dedicated health workers are climbing mountains and crossing rivers to reach our indigenous brothers and sisters.”

The Department of Health (DOH) has supplied additional measles vaccines to the municipality.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection common in tropical regions of the Philippines. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and joint pain, which can develop into the potentially fatal dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, particularly in malnourished children and those with weakened immune systems. The Philippines has faced recurring measles outbreaks due to gaps in vaccination coverage.