The Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital recently conducted a public forum on dengue awareness as part of the national observance of Dengue Awareness Month this June, focusing on prevention strategies as the province continues to face dengue transmission.

The hospital organized a lay forum titled “Dengue Free, Worry Free!” to educate Mindoreños about dengue prevention, symptoms, and treatment protocols.

The educational forum covered essential information including how dengue is transmitted, primary symptoms to watch for, and prevention measures residents can take to protect themselves and their families.

In 2024, from January to June, Oriental Mindoro recorded seven deaths and 1,172 dengue cases, according to data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

The campaign coincides with alarming national trends announced by the Department of Health on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Metro Manila experienced a dramatic 240 percent surge in dengue cases during the first quarter of 2025, with 16,708 recorded cases resulting in 43 deaths.

Health officials cited four key prevention strategies, known locally as the “4S” approach: Taob (search and destroy mosquito breeding sites), Taktak (drain water containers), Tuyo (dry water containers), and Takip (cover water storage containers).

PHO also stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical consultation when experiencing fever lasting 2-3 days, body aches, bleeding, or severe abdominal pain – all warning signs of dengue infection.

National Dengue Awareness Month is observed every June by virtue of Proclamation No. 1204, signed in 1998, designating the month for heightened public education about the mosquito-borne disease.

The Department of Health classifies dengue as the fastest spreading vector-borne disease in the world, endemic in 100 countries. The virus has four serotypes, with subsequent infections often proving more severe than initial exposure.

Provincial health authorities are urging residents to maintain vigilance in eliminating stagnant water sources around homes and to use protective measures such as insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing to prevent mosquito bites.