After flu season, here comes another health scare that’s making parents worried—Dengue! Dengue cases in Quezon City, our hometown, are surging— from January 1 to February 14, 2025, the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division recorded 1,769 cases, a nearly 200% spike from last year. Who wouldn’t be worried?

But instead of panicking (which won’t do anything to keep mosquitoes away), let’s channel that energy into making sure our kids stay bite-free and dengue-free!

Here are some simple, doable ways to protect our little ones from those sneaky mosquitoes:

1. Keep Mosquitoes from Breeding at Home 🏡

Dengue-carrying mosquitoes love stagnant water, so let’s make sure our homes aren’t their breeding ground!

✔️ Do a weekly “mosquito hunt” and empty containers with standing water (like flowerpot saucers, old tires, buckets, and trash can lids).
✔️ Cover water storage containers properly.
✔️ Clean your gutters—leaves and debris can trap water, making it a mosquito haven.
✔️ Change the water in vases and pet bowls regularly.

2. Dress the Kids in Mosquito-Proof Clothing 👕

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so when dressing up the kids, go for light-colored outfits.

In my daughter’s school, students have been required to wear long socks as extra protection.

Long sleeves and pants are also great when they’re playing outdoors, especially during early morning and late afternoon when mosquitoes are most active.

3. Slather on the Mosquito Repellent 🦟

While it may be an additional item in our daily grooming routine, applying mosquito repellent is something we shouldn’t miss. Choose a kid-friendly formula and apply it on exposed skin before heading out. For an extra layer of protection, you can even spritz repellent on their clothes!

As a praning mom, on top of applying mosquito repellent on their skin, I put mosquito patch on my children’s clothes whenever we go out.

4. Mosquito-Proof Your Home 🏠

If we’re vigilant about protecting our kids from mosquitoes outdoors, we shouldn’t let our guard down at home. Here are some ways to keep our home mosquito-free.

✔️ Install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out. Make sure there are no holes or cracks.
✔️ If screens are not an option, use mosquito nets—especially for babies and toddlers who take naps during the day.
✔️ Try natural repellents like citronella candles or essential oil diffusers. (Bonus: Your home will smell amazing!)

5. Team Up with the Community 🏘️

Dengue isn’t just a household concern—it’s a neighborhood issue! If your barangay or community is organizing a clean-up drive, fogging, or an anti-dengue campaign, participate! The fewer mosquito breeding grounds, the lower the chances of dengue spreading.

6. Stay Alert for Dengue Symptoms ⚠️

Despite all precautions, if your child develops a high fever, severe headaches, rashes, or unusual bruising, don’t wait—consult a doctor ASAP. Dengue can escalate fast, so early detection is key!

Instead of stressing over the dengue outbreak, let’s be proactive in keeping our kids safe. A few extra minutes of mosquito-proofing every day can go a long way in ensuring a dengue-free home. Stay safe, moms and dads! 💛