News about the rising cases of leptospirosis after the floods caused by a recent typhoon and monsoon rains, and mpox which has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) have been appearing in various media platforms. What many communities and households may have missed is the fact that dengue cases have been increasing around the country.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported that it continues to observe a “trend of higher case detection” coupled with a lower case fatality rate for dengue. Its most recent epidemiological data covering the period from Jan. 1 to Aug. 10, 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.

DOH data also indicated that 396 deaths were reported nationwide during the same period, which is lower than the 421 deaths recorded in 2023.

“Lower deaths despite higher cases means our campaigns are working. Let us continue to seek early consultation for symptoms that may already be dengue. Let us also keep cleaning our surroundings—search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds: anything with stagnant water,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.

In a recent speech, President Marcos urged local government units (LGUs) to maximize the use of technology to promote public health and transform communities.

The President said that with the surge in leptospirosis and dengue cases that the DOH has attributed to improper garbage disposal and poor waste management, local chief executives must embrace digitalization and utilize technology to address these issues.

He urged local chief executives to “work harder to utilize environmentally sound methods and waste minimization measures to protect public health and, of course, our environment."

"I urge you all to lead aggressive information dissemination campaigns to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent diseases,” he said.

Information about dengue is important to spread awareness on prevention and treatment. Numbers are very effective in making people aware of rising cases of any disease, in this case, dengue:

On Aug. 16, the DOH Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-EVCHD) reported a significant surge in dengue cases in the region – 7,145 cases with 18 fatalities from Jan. 1 to Aug. 10. That is a 187 percent increase compared to the same period last year with 2,487 cases and eight deaths.

On Aug. 21, the province of Iloilo declared a state of calamity following a dengue outbreak – 5,836 cases with 10 fatalities in 42 towns and a component city from Jan. 1 to Aug. 17, 2024.

On Aug. 22, the Caraga region recorded 7,122 dengue cases with 39 fatalities from Jan. 1 to Aug. 17, or 144 percent higher compared to the dengue cases recorded in the same period last year, the DOH-13 said. Surigao del Norte has the highest number of cases at 2,564, followed by Surigao del Sur (1,521).

Two days ago, on Aug. 27, the DOH-6 recorded 3,490 dengue cases, and seven deaths, in the Western Visayas region from Aug. 11 to 17. Western Visayas has 15,688 dengue cases with 31 fatalities from Jan. 1 to Aug. 17.

Awareness is a major factor in the prevention of diseases and illnesses. Get these information out to encourage community members to practice the DOH 4S Strategy—Search and Destroy mosquito breeding sites, Self-protection, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging—to effectively address the increasing number of dengue cases.