The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Wednesday, Aug. 21, that it continues to observe a “trend of higher case detection” coupled with a lower case fatality rate for dengue.
Citing its most recent epidemiological data, covering the period from Jan. 1 to Aug. 10, the DOH recorded 150,354 dengue cases nationwide.
This figure represents a 39 percent increase compared to the 107,953 cases reported during the same period in 2023.
Moreover, DOH data indicated that 396 deaths were reported nationwide during the same period, which is lower than the 421 deaths recorded in 2023.
The DOH also noted a 24 percent increase in dengue cases, rising from 18,784 cases recorded between June 30 and July 13, 2024, to 23,290 cases from July 14 to July 27, 2024.
While there was a “lower number of cases” recorded from July 28 to Aug. 10, DOH epidemiologists cautioned that there might be “delayed consultations and reports.”
The DOH highlighted that all regions, except for Soccsksargen, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and Bicol, showed an “increase in cases” in the three to four weeks leading up to Aug. 10.
4S strategy
In response to the continued surge in dengue cases, the DOH reminded the public of its 4S strategy against dengue:
The 4S strategy involves: (1) searching for and destroying mosquito breeding sites; (2) securing self-protection by wearing light-colored clothing and applying insect repellent when possible; (3) seeking early consultation if symptoms of dengue appear; and (4) spraying and fogging hotspot areas for two consecutive weeks to prevent outbreaks.
DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa explained that “dengue follows a seasonal pattern,” with case counts expected to rise during the rainy months.
With fewer recorded deaths, the DOH noted this indicates “better health-seeking behavior,” with more Filipinos seeking early consultation, leading to early testing, diagnosis, and better case management.
“It is good that more Filipinos are seeking early consultation, which leads to fewer deaths,” Herbosa said. “Keep cleaning our surroundings—search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds: anything with stagnant water,” he added.
Meanwhile, the DOH emphasized that under Republic Act No. 11332, the declaration of local disease outbreaks must come from provincial, city, or municipal authorities.
The DOH continues to engage with local epidemiology and surveillance units (ESUs) to provide sufficient scientific evidence so that they may advise their local chief executives on the “best available response” to dengue.
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