WHILE the Philippines is experiencing an increasing number of dengue cases, the number of deaths due to the illness has remained low, the Department of Health (DoH) said.
In a statement, it said there were 150,354 cases of dengue from Jan. 1 to Aug. 10, 2024, a 39 percent increase from the 107,953 cases reported in the same period last year.
From July 14 to 27, dengue cases rose to 23,290, a 24-percent increase from the 18,784 cases during the June 30 to July 13 period.
“While there was a lower number of cases logged from July 28 to Aug. 10, 2024 (n=13,369), epidemiologists warned there may be late consultations and reports,” the DoH said.
On the other hand, the number of fatalities reported from January 1 to August 10 decreased to 396, lower than the 421 cases reported in the same period last year.
All regions in the country reported increases in the past three to four weeks from August 10 — except Bicol, Soccsksargen and the Zamboanga Peninsula regions.
Nonetheless, the DoH has continued to remind the public to continue employing the 4S strategy against dengue — namely, 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, which leads to fewer deaths. Keep cleaning our surroundings — search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds: anything with stagnant water,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said it was unfortunate that Iloilo has declared a state of calamity due to the increasing cases of dengue in the province.
“Up to now, the province’s municipalities have not yet received items to fight off mosquitoes, so it’s time for the central office to knock on the hearts and doors of Region 6 to help those affected,” Garin told House reporters on Wednesday.
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