Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Central Luzon top 鈥榙engue hot spots鈥�
GRASS ROOTS ACTION Barangay personnel join a cleanup drive in Quezon City against dengue. —LYN RILLON
The Department of Health (DOH) continues to record more dengue cases but fewer deaths compared to last year.
Latest data released by the DOH showed 14,460 dengue cases from Jan. 26 to Feb. 8, which is seven percent lower than the 15,500 cases reported from Jan. 15 to Jan. 25.
The 52,008 total cases as Feb. 22 this year is 6.4 percent higher than the cases recorded during the same period in 2024, the DOH said.
The DOH said children aged four years and below also comprise 56 percent of the total cases as of Feb. 22.
Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon account for 55.2 percent, or 28,713, of the 52,008 cases so far this year.
Article continues after this advertisementNevertheless, the DOH said the case fatality rate so far this year is 0.36 percent, compared to 0.43 percent in the same period last year.
Article continues after this advertisementThe DOH said some of the reasons behind the decline include early consultation and detection, as well as quicker response to dengue patients’ needs so that their illness will not worsen anymore.
The department called on the public to wear long-sleeved shirt and long pants, use insect-repellants, sleep inside mosquito nets, and avoid mosquito-infested areas.
The DOH recently launched, in partnership with local governments, the “Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, Takip” campaign as part of the “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” program, which aims to clear areas with stagnant water where mosquitos lay eggs.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa called on the public not to ignore dengue symptoms, such as high fever, rashes, body aches, nausea and pain in the back of the eyes.
He said those experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
