By Brian Jules Campued
The Department of Health (DOH) will soon declare a dengue outbreak in the country, as the number of cases may have already reached “outbreak levels”, according to Sec. Teodoro Herbosa.
“Ibang presscon ‘yan, magde-declare din ako ng dengue outbreak,” Herbosa said in a Monday press briefing.
“Based on my conversation with my Epidemiology Bureau director, pang-outbreak levels na ang ating dengue,” he added.
However, Herbosa did not provide any details regarding the agency’s plan to declare an outbreak.
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 3, the DOH recorded around 136,161 dengue cases—33% higher than the 102,374 cases reported during the same period in 2023.
The DOH further said that an increase in dengue cases was observed in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.
On the other hand, fewer deaths were logged so far this year, at 364 compared to 401 in the same period last year.
“The DOH sees the lower number of deaths this year (despite the higher number of cases) as an indication of people seeking early consultation, and hospitals doing better case management,” the agency said in a press release.
The health department, likewise, reminded the public to continue practicing the 4S strategy against dengue—”search and destroy” mosquito breeding grounds, secure “self-protection” measures from mosquito bites, “seek early consultation” for any symptoms, and “support fogging or spraying” in hotspot areas. – av
