Due to the ongoing rise in dengue cases, the Department of Health (DOH) announced on Monday, Aug. 19, that it is considering declaring a "dengue outbreak" in the Philippines.
DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, speaking at a press conference, said that based on his discussion with the Epidemiology Bureau, the dengue situation in the country has reached “outbreak levels.”
“Magde-declare din ako ng dengue outbreak (I will also declare a dengue outbreak),” Herbosa said, noting that his formal announcement regarding the declaration of a dengue outbreak will be made in a separate press conference.
Rising dengue cases
In a statement issued on Aug. 13, the DOH said it continues to “monitor and support” local governments as they respond to the seasonal rise in dengue cases.
National data as of Aug. 3 showed a total of 136,161 dengue cases, which the DOH noted is 33 percent higher compared to the 102,374 cases reported in the same period last year.
However, the DOH pointed out that there have been “fewer dengue deaths” recorded this year compared to last year for the same period.
The DOH views the lower number of deaths this year, despite the higher number of cases, as an “indication of people seeking early consultation and hospitals providing better case management.”
“Fewer deaths despite higher cases means our campaigns are working,” Herbosa said.
He urged the public to seek early consultation if symptoms appear and emphasized the importance of keeping their surroundings clean.
The DOH also advised the public to follow its 4S strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; secure self-protection from mosquito bites; seek early consultation; and “say yes” to fogging.
By law, the DOH noted that the declaration of local disease outbreaks must come from provincial, city, or municipal authorities as stated in Section 7 of Republic Act No. 11332.
The DOH said it continues to discuss with local epidemiology and surveillance units (ESUs) to provide “sufficient scientific evidence” so they can advise local chief executives, including governors or mayors, on the “best available response.”
RELATED STORY:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/6/16/doh-no-proven-effective-dengue-treatment-yet