The local government of Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental has sounded the alarm bells over the recent surge in dengue cases.

According to a press release posted on the Facebook page of Mayor Henry Oaminal Jr., the city logged 84 dengue cases on February 10, 2025. This number rose to 104 after seven days. As of February 21, 2025, the number of dengue cases reached 148 with five reported deaths.

In 2024, seven people died from dengue in the city.

“This shows the severity of the situation,” Oaminal said.

The local government added that if the trend will continue, dengue cases may reach around 1,103 by the end of 2025, which is twice the number of the total cases in 2024.

Most of those who contracted the disease are children five to nine years old.

“This situation presents a grave and significant challenge for us, particularly given the vulnerability of children to dengue infections,” Oaminal added.

All barangays have already conducted aggressive cleanup and fogging operations while residents were also urged to cooperate by practicing the 5S strategy against dengue: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; self-protection like using insect repellents; seek early consultation; support fogging, spraying, and misting in hot spot areas; and sustain hydration.

“I sincerely hope that everyone will cooperate and work together to address this problem. Rest assured, the LGU is doing everything it can, but this dengue problem will not be eradicated without your cooperation and support,” Oaminal said.