The Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Negros Oriental is urging local government units (LGUs), schools and other institutions to strengthen measures against dengue, particularly the 4 o’clock habit.

“I hope that all LGUs will do it daily and especially the schools. The 4 o’clock habit is to search and destroy breeding places of mosquitos that carry and transmit the dengue virus to humans,” PHO chief Dr. Liland Estacion said in an interview yesterday.

The measure refers to the Department of Health’s (DOH) campaign encouraging communities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites at 4:00 p.m. every day.

Estacion said this approach is complementary to other measures undertaken by the PHO, such as misting operations and the provision of chemically-treated nets and screens.

While Negros Oriental has logged a decrease in dengue cases this year, health authorities are keeping watch over an expected spike in infections in the coming months based on previous patterns recorded in the province.

Estacion noted that 2025 is an “epidemic year,” referring to a three-year cycle where outbreaks of dengue cases are reported.

From January 1 to February 22, a total of 430 dengue cases with zero deaths were reported in Negros Oriental, according to the latest available data. The number is nine percent lower compared to the same period last year, which logged 473 cases with one death.

The Top 10 cities/municipalities with the highest dengue cases this year are Dumaguete City and Siaton with 48 cases each; Tanjay City, 40; Guihulngan City, 32; Bayawan City, 28; Sibulan, 23; Mabinay, 20; Bais City, 17; Sta. Catalina, 16; and Manjuyod, 14.

Estacion reminded the public to participate in the elimination of mosquito breeding places and undertake cleanups at 4:00 p.m. when the dengue vectors are most active. (PNA)