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Dengue cases in the Philippines in 2026 reached 205,347 as of 14 October, about 22% fewer than the 261,749 cases recorded over the same period in 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) reported. The case fatality rate stands at 0.38%, and the DOH says this year’s total remains below alert and epidemic thresholds, although some provinces and cities are still flagged for rising cases.
Key points
- 205,347 dengue cases nationwide as of 14 October 2026, down 22% from the same period in 2025.
- Cases dipped 2% in the latest two-week period: 22,095 (17 to 30 September) versus 22,479 (3 to 16 September).
- Leptospirosis is the bigger worry: 13,530 cases so far, 47% more than in 2025, with a 5.41% case fatality rate.
Dengue cases Philippines 2026: the latest DOH numbers
The figures come from the DOH’s latest disease surveillance update, reported on 20 October 2026 by INQUIRER.net and Daily Tribune. The national trend is slowly easing, but local outbreaks continue.
| Measure | Dengue | Leptospirosis |
|---|---|---|
| Cases in 2026 (as of 14 October) | 205,347 | 13,530 |
| Same period in 2025 | 261,749 | 9,188 |
| Change versus 2025 | Down 22% | Up 47% |
| Latest two weeks (17 to 30 September) | 22,095 (down 2%) | 1,159 (down 55%) |
| Case fatality rate, 2026 | 0.38% | 5.41% (10.37% in 2025) |
Where dengue cases are still rising
The DOH still flags several provinces and highly urbanized cities (P/HUCs) for increasing dengue cases and is coordinating with their local governments. In Metro Manila, the City of Manila had recorded 4,048 cases as of 19 October, and Quezon City had 6,302 as of 12 October, INQUIRER.net reported.
For leptospirosis, the number of flagged P/HUCs fell to six, from 46 in previous weeks, as floodwaters receded.
Dengue warning signs nurses should teach families
The clinical reference MIMS Philippines describes dengue as illness that starts after a 4 to 10 day incubation period and moves through three phases: febrile, critical, and recovery. Patients are classed as having severe dengue or non-severe dengue, with or without warning signs.
MIMS advises educating parents and guardians about signs of dehydration in children:
- decreased urination;
- no tears when crying;
- a dry mouth, tongue, or lips;
- sunken eyes;
- listlessness, agitation, or confusion; and
- cold or clammy hands and feet.
For more on fluid status, see our guide to signs of dehydration in adults.
How to prevent dengue and leptospirosis: DOH advice
- Enhanced 4S strategy for dengue: search and destroy breeding sites, use self-protection against mosquito bites, seek early consultation, and support vector control.
- “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” 4Ts: Taob (turn over), Taktak (shake), Tuyo (dry), and Takip (cover) water containers.
- Leptospirosis: avoid floodwater and see a doctor early after exposure. The DOH is prepositioning doxycycline in flood-prone areas for prophylaxis and treatment when indicated.
What it means for nurses
- Watch the critical phase. Patients can worsen as the fever falls, so keep monitoring vital signs, fluid intake, and urine output after defervescence.
- Teach warning signs at discharge. Give families a simple list of dehydration signs and when to return, using the MIMS list above.
- Ask about flood exposure. With leptospirosis cases up 47% this year, a history of wading in floodwater should prompt early referral.
- Follow local DOH guidance. Flagged areas may have specific case-reporting and vector-control activities.
Frequently asked questions
How many dengue cases are there in the Philippines in 2026?
The DOH recorded 205,347 dengue cases nationwide from January to 14 October 2026. That is 22% lower than the 261,749 cases in the same period of 2025. The case fatality rate is 0.38%, and the national count is below the alert and epidemic thresholds, although some provinces and cities are still flagged.
What are the danger signs of dengue in children?
MIMS Philippines lists dehydration signs for parents to watch: less urination, no tears when crying, a dry mouth or lips, sunken eyes, listlessness or confusion, and cold or clammy hands and feet. A child with any of these signs, especially as the fever falls, should be checked by a health worker promptly.
Is leptospirosis rising in the Philippines?
Yes, for the year overall. The DOH counted 13,530 leptospirosis cases as of 14 October 2026, 47% more than the same period in 2025. Recent weeks have improved, with cases falling 55% in late September, and the case fatality rate has dropped to 5.41% from 10.37% in 2025.
Related on Nurses Notes
- How to bring down a child’s fever safely
- Signs of dehydration in adults
- Electrolytes: a nurse’s guide
- More healthcare news
Sources
- Dengue, leptospirosis cases decline in latest DOH report – INQUIRER.net, 20 October 2026
- Dengue cases down from 2025 levels — DOH – Daily Tribune, 20 October 2026
- Dengue (Pediatric): Disease Summary – MIMS Philippines
- Dengue (Pediatric) Disease Algorithm – MIMS Philippines, updated 30 July 2026
This summary is for information only and does not replace official guidance or advice from a qualified professional.
