The Department of Health (DOH) is set to declare a dengue outbreak in the country as the number of cases continues to rise. According to DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, the number has reached “outbreak levels.”
“Based on my conversation with the Epidemiology Bureau director, outbreak levels na ang ating dengue. Magde-declare din ako ng dengue outbreak,” said the Secretary.
According to the latest data from the DOH, the Philippines’ has reported 136,000 dengue cases from January 1 to August 13, 2024. This is 33 percent higher than the 102,374 cases that were reported around the same time in 2023.
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But despite this, there were fewer deaths recorded this year at 364, compared to last year’s 401 cases. The DOH says that the lowered number of dengue deaths this year is an “indication of people seeking early consultation, and hospitals doing better case management.”
Several areas in the Philippines have already declared their own dengue outbreaks, such as Capiz, Iloilo province, and Ormoc City.
The DOH also said that, under the Law on Reporting of Communicable Disease, it is the responsibility of provincial, city, or municipal authorities to declare local disease outbreaks.
The last time DOH declared a national dengue outbreak was in 2019.
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Dengue is a viral infection from mosquitoes that’s common in tropical countries. Signs that you have dengue include high fever, nausea, rashes, and vomiting. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications in the lungs, organ failure, and hemorrhaging.
The DOH reminds netizens to follow the 4S strategy to prevent dengue. This is to “Search and Destroy” mosquito breeding places, “Secure Self-Protection” from mosquito bites, “Seek Early Consultation” when you spot symptoms of the infection, and “Say Yes to Fogging.”
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