The Department of Health (DOH) reported a significant increase in dengue cases this year, with a total of 128,834 cases as of July 27, a 33-percent rise compared to 97,211 cases during the same period last year.
The upward trend is evident in the recent data showing that dengue cases have climbed from 12,153 between June 16 and June 29 to 18,349 between June 30 and July 13.
DOH noted that regions including Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Cagayan Valley, and Calabarzon have experienced a steady rise in dengue cases over the past six weeks.
Despite the increase, dengue-related deaths have decreased to 337, compared to 378 in the same period last year.
DOH attributed the decrease in fatalities to early consultation and better case management by hospitals.
It pointed out the importance of its 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.
“We know that more stagnant water means more mosquitoes and more dengue. So let us keep searching and destroying containers that allow mosquitoes to multiply. The good news is seeking consultation early and treating patients properly leads to less deaths even with more cases—look at our numbers,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa in a statement on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
“Using self-protection measures like clothes that cover the skin, mosquito nets, and repellants will help slow down the rise in cases. Let us also support fogging or spraying in areas identified as local hotspots or outbreak zones,” he added.
DOH advised the public to remain vigilant against WILD diseases, which refer to water-borne illnesses, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue, which are prevalent during the rainy season.