06/09/2025
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It does not knock, nor does it roar. It simply hums in the dark, waiting silently for its prey.
In every shadow, in every quiet drop that lingers, danger blooms. Dengue, a virus that spreads through the bite of a mosquito, is silent yet potent, leaving fevers, rashes, and aching bodies in its wake. The tropical climate of the Philippines makes it a favored target for this invader. As the rain returns and the streets fill with water, dengue comes back with quiet persistence.
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Dengue is a deadly mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is commonly found in tropical climates such as the Philippines. It is also known as โbreakbone feverโ because it can cause intense muscle and joint pain, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
DOH studies show that these mosquitoes can lay their eggs in even the smallest pockets of still, clean water โ whether in a forgotten bottle cap, the base of a dish rack, a clogged drain, a neglected bin, or a discarded tire. They are usually active between two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset, and they lurk both indoors and outdoors, turning every place into a potential battleground.
Dengue is a year-round public health threat, but it is most common during the rainy season. It affects infants, young children, and adults alike. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has warned that the country may face a large dengue outbreak this year due to the continuous surge in cases.
โOur dengue cases increased by over 75 percent compared to last year. Because of this, we expect an outbreak this year. Every three to five years, our country experiences a dengue outbreak. Our last outbreak was in 2019 before COVID-19. Now, we are expecting a big outbreak, and it is most likely to happen this year,โ Herbosa said in a TV interview.
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Most people who get dengue will not show symptoms. For those who do, the first sign is a sudden high fever, often reaching up to 40ยฐC, which appears quickly and feels intense. This is usually followed by a severe headache, typically centered behind the eyes, making it painful to move or focus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Next comes the deep, relentless pain in muscles and bones, so fierce that it earned the name โbreakbone fever.โ Even the smallest movements can become a burden. As the virus progresses, a skin rash may appear as red spots, which can be painful and itchy.
Nausea and vomiting are common with dengue, often making it difficult to eat. Many victims experience deep fatigue that lingers long after the fever subsides. In some cases, there may be mild bleeding, such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or bruises that appear easily. A drop in platelet count is a warning sign that the illness is becoming more severe.
If symptoms such as persistent vomiting, intense stomach pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of internal bleeding occur, it means dengue has progressed to a severe form. This can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical care. Without treatment, severe dengue can lead to organ failure and, in some cases, death, according to the DOH.
It started with a fever, then came the vomiting, and the drop in platelets. This is what hell must have felt like to Ethan Desoloc, 14, living in Dummun, Gattaran. His family rushed him to the hospital, and for three days, he laid in the hospital bed, his body fragile, his future uncertain.
โHindi na po ako nakakain ng tama at lagi na akong matamlay noon,โ Desoloc said. He may have survived. But his story didnโt just become a miracle. It became a warning.
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According to the DOH, dengue has no specific cure, but symptoms such as muscle aches, pains, and fever can be managed with fever reducers and pain relievers. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, dengue can worsen quickly. This is why it is important to have regular checkups and watch for warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or difficulty breathing.
As of this year, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Cagayan reported the surged number of recorded cases in the province to 2,367 from January to August 27, 2025. Based on PHO data, Baggao town had the most cases with 325, followed by Solana with 236, Aparri with 163, and Gattaran having 78 cases.
Prevention is better than cure, which is why the DOH promotes the enhanced 5S strategy to reduce dengue cases and save lives.
Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites such as open containers and used tires.
Practice self-protection by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and using mosquito repellents.
Seek early consultation at the nearest health center or hospital whenever symptoms appear.
Support fogging or spraying indoors and outdoors to prevent impending dengue outbreaks.
Maintain hydration and keep the body hydrated to prevent dehydration caused by illness.
The department also reported a 32.83 percent decrease in dengue cases, dropping from 12,166 between June 22 and July 5 to 8,171 between July 6 and 19 this year. However, it urged the public to remain vigilant and prepared.
While dengue grows in silence, our healthโs defense must speak louder because protection is not just a reaction; it is a promise.
