DENGUE cases in the country are nearing the 40,000 mark in just the first four months of 2023.

Based on the latest Disease Surveillance Report of the Department of Health (DOH), there are already 39,947 cases of dengue being reported for the period of January 1 to April 29.

The number is 43 percent higher compared to the 27,928 dengue cases reported during the same period last year.

Having the highest number of dengue cases recorded were in the National Capital Region (5,552), Calabarzon (4,252), and Central Luzon (4,026).

Seeing the highest increase when compared to 2022 were Mimaropa (388 percent; 533 to 2,602), Soccsksargen (201 percent; 1,020 to 3,069) and National Capital Region (123 percent; 2,493 to 5,552).

In contrast, there were fewer deaths due to dengue reported this year with 127 or a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.32 percent.

There were more deaths in 2022 during the same period at 166 or a 0.59 percent CFR.

Having the most deaths caused by the mosquito-borne disease were Mimaropa with 17 and Soccsksargen with 12.

The DOH earlier warned the public against the threat of dengue during the dry season.

This as households tend to store water in containers, which may become mosquito-breeding sites. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)