The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH 7) has issued a warning about the increasing incidence of various diseases this summer, including both infectious and non-communicable conditions. Dengue cases and other illnesses continue to rise across the region.
Infectious Diseases on the Rise
From January to the second week of May 2026, Central Visayas recorded 2,425 dengue cases with 18 deaths, marking an 80 percent increase in deaths compared to the same period last year. Dr. Ronald Jarvik A. Buscato, head of the DOH 7 Communicable Diseases Section, also reported approximately 11,000 rabies exposure cases in the first quarter alone. Other common infectious illnesses include sore eyes (conjunctivitis) and chickenpox, which primarily affect school-aged children.
Non-Communicable Diseases and Heat-Related Illnesses
DOH 7 expects an increase in heat stroke and heat exhaustion cases due to the high heat index. Buscato warned that individuals with lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension and diabetes may experience complications worsened by extreme heat.
Factors Contributing to Disease Spread
Unstable water supply during summer forces households to store water, creating mosquito breeding sites in uncovered containers. Even small items like flower pots and vases can become breeding grounds if not cleaned regularly. DOH 7 noted a shift in dengue demographics, with more infections now occurring in early to middle adulthood, while cases among children have declined due to awareness campaigns in schools.
Rabies and Vaccine Hesitancy
The rising rabies cases are linked to an increase in pet ownership and challenges in animal vaccination. Previously, 90 percent of rabies cases were from dogs and 10 percent from cats, but the distribution has shifted to nearly 50-50. Vaccine hesitancy remains a major challenge for DOH 7's prevention efforts.
Prevention Measures
Buscato urged the public to follow the DOH’s “4Ts” dengue prevention campaign: Taob (empty), Taktak (shake), Tuyo (dry), and Takip (cover). Households should replace or clean stored water at least every seven days to prevent mosquito breeding. As classes resume, ensuring no transmission in schools is critical to prevent further spread.
Community cooperation is essential as the region enters hotter months when disease transmission risk typically increases.
