CEBU CITY — Cebu City has reported two more dengue-related deaths, pushing the total fatalities this year to 10 as of September 16.

The report comes as the City Health Department (CHD) records a surge in dengue cases, now totaling 764, compared to just 30 cases during the same period last year.

Daisy Villa, head of the CHD, also said there were four dengue-related deaths in the same period last year.

Villa attributed the increase to continuous rains in Metro Cebu in recent weeks, which have created ideal breeding conditions for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

From January to August 2024, the CHD recorded 597 dengue cases and eight deaths. The victims came from the villages of Buhisan, Cogon Pardo, Lorega, Pardo, Sapangdaku and Mabolo. The youngest victim was 3 years old, and the oldest was 75.

Earlier, the Department of Health said it has recorded 15,394 dengue cases and 35 deaths from January to August in Central Visayas.

Central Visayas has already seen a dramatic spike, with cases more than tripling in July 2024 compared to July 2023 with 280 cases versus 91.

Villa warned that the La Niña phenomenon, expected to bring more frequent rains, could drive dengue cases even higher in the coming months.

To address the rising numbers, the CHD has launched intensified search and destroy operations in barangay to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water.

Villa called on residents and local officials to take action, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness to prevent further outbreaks.

"We are doing everything we can to solve this problem," Villa said, urging barangay leaders to encourage residents to clean their surroundings and remove containers that could collect water.

The CHD's actions are part of the Health Department's "4S" strategy, which includes searching and destroying breeding sites, securing self-protection, seeking early consultation and supporting fogging or spraying. CHD teams are also mapping high-risk areas in the city to better target their efforts.

In early September, acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia considered declaring a public health emergency due to the rapid increase in dengue cases. Although he deferred the decision, further monitoring could lead to such a declaration, which would allow the city to enhance its response.