An increase in the number of dengue cases has been observed in some provinces located in four regions in the country, Department of Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario S. Vergeire said on Tuesday, April 12.

She said the rise in dengue cases was monitored in Zamboanga Peninsula, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, and Davao Region.

Despite this, Vergeire noted that nationally the weekly reported cases in 2022 are significantly lower than the cases logged last year.

“Kapag tinignan natin ang breakdown among different regions, doon natin nakikita ang pagtaas (If we are going to look on the breakdown among regions, we can see a rise in the number of dengue cases.). Aside from Zamboanga or Region IX, mayroon din tayong nakikitang pagtaas sa mga kaso ng dengue sa (we can also see an increase in dengue cases in) Region II, VI at XI,” the DOH spokesperson said.

The city government of Zamboanga has recently declared a dengue outbreak. This came after the Zamboanga City Health Office recorded 893 dengue cases with 11 deaths from January 1 to April 2 this year.

Vergeire said Zamboanga City breached the pandemic threshold that’s why the local government had to declare a dengue outbreak.

After the declaration of an outbreak, implemented dengue preventive measures to stop the Aedes aegypti mosquito or the dengue disease vector.

Vergeire said the agency has also activated Dengue Fast lanes and Separate Rooms in hospitals for those who will fall ill. Insecticide-treated curtains and screens are likewise being used in health facilities of the region.

Meanwhile, the DOH called on the public to be vigilant and ensure a clean and dry household in order for mosquitoes not to have a breeding ground.

The DOH spokesperson urged the public to follow the 4S against Dengue— search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; self-protection measures; seek early consultation of symptoms; and support spraying/fogging to prevent further outbreaks.