WHILE there has been a reported downtrend in dengue fever cases in the Philippines, health officials have expressed cautious optimism about this perennial public concern.

Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim, an expert from the section of Infectious and Tropical Disease at the University of the Philippines and the Philippine General Hospital, underscores the importance of not succumbing to complacency despite the positive development. She emphasizes the cyclical nature of dengue, the multifaceted challenges it poses and how the infection can affect families, communities, and healthcare systems across the country.