Metro Manila, Philippines – There has been a significant increase in dengue cases in some regions from January to July, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday.
Health data showed the Philippines logged 128,834 dengue cases as of July 27 – higher than 97,211 cases in the same period last year, or a 33 percent hike.The agency said dengue cases remain on the rise. Around 12,000 cases were recorded on June 16-29, while over 18,000 people got sick on June 30 to July 13. “Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Cagayan Valley, and Calabarzon regions have shown a continuous rise in Dengue numbers in the recent six weeks counting back from July 27, 2024,” DOH said in a press release.While cases are rising, the Health Department said there have been fewer dengue-related deaths so far this year. On the casualty count, 337 people have died from the virus, slightly lower than the 378 in the same period last year.“The good news is seeking consultation early and treating patients properly leads to less deaths even with more cases,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa was quoted as saying in a statement.
According to the World Health Organization, dengue symptoms include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting.
In 2023, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control listed over 6,000 dengue-related deaths worldwide.
