DENGUE cases in the country are nearing the 50,000 mark heading into the start of the rainy season in the Philippines.
Based on the latest Disease Surveillance Report of the Department of Health (DOH), there were 48,109 cases of dengue reported for the period of January 1 to May 13.
The number was 38 percent higher compared to the 34,963 dengue cases reported during the same period last year.
Having the highest number of dengue cases recorded were in the National Capital Region (6,395), Calabarzon (5,135), Davao Region (4,842) and Central Luzon (4,722).
Seeing the highest increase when compared to 2022 were Mimaropa (366 percent; 704 to 3,281), Soccsksargen (190 percent; 1,361 to 3,941), and National Capital Region (120 percent; 2,910 to 6,395).
In contrast, there were fewer deaths due to dengue reported this year with 176 or a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.37 percent.
Comparatively, there were more deaths in 2022 during the same period at 203 or a 0.58 percent CFR.
Having the most deaths caused by the mosquito-borne disease were Mimaropa with 30 and Soccsksargen with 22.
On Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration declared the start of the rainy season in the Philippines.
During the rainy season, the risk of dengue transmission goes up given the higher number of possible mosquito-breeding sites. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)