THE Department of Health (DOH) noted a 24 percent increase in dengue cases, rising from 18,784 cases during June 30 to July 13, 2024, to 23,290 cases during July 14 to July 27, 2024.
While there was a lower number of cases logged from July 28 to August 10 at 13,369, the DOH epidemiologists caution that there may be late consultations and reports.
“All regions except Soccsksargen, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Bicol showed an increase in cases in the recent three to four weeks counting back from August 10, 2024,” the DOH said.
The health department advised the public to practice the 4S strategy against dengue: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; Secure self-protection by wearing light colored clothing and applying insect repellents when able; Seek early consultation if symptoms of dengue appear; and Spraying and fogging hotspot areas for two consecutive weeks to prevent outbreaks.
“Dengue has a seasonal pattern. Case counts are expected to rise during the rainy months. It is good that more Filipinos are seeking early consultation that leads to fewer deaths. Keep cleaning our surroundings – search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds: anything with stagnant water,” health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said.
On Monday, Herbosa said he will declare a dengue outbreak as soon as the cases reach an “outbreak level.”
The Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday, August 21, that there is a continuous upward trend on dengue cases in the country while there are fewer deaths related to the disease.
From January 1 to August 10, the DOH recorded a total of 150,354 dengue cases across the country, 39 percent higher than the number of cases during the same period in 2023.
During the same period, the agency said 396 deaths due to dengue have been reported, lower than the 421 deaths recorded from January to August 2023. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)