DOH: DENGUE CASES IN THE COUNTRY IS RISING

Cases of dengue in the Philippines continue to increase amid rainy season (Photo courtesy of Philippine Star)

Slight increase in dengue cases was recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) between May to June in all regions except for the National Capital Region (NCR), Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga in the same period last year.

DOH’s latest data, dengue cases climbed by 10% from 5,547 recorded on May 5 to 18, jumping to 6,082 from May 19 to June 1. From June 2 to 15, there were only 4,689 so far, but according to the agency the number may still increase due to delayed reporting.

Since January up to June 15, a total of 77,867 dengue cases with 205 deaths has been recorded across the country marking a 15% increase compared to the 67,576 cases in the same period last year.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has urged the public to intensify efforts to combat mosquito-borne disease, "One solution to dengue, while basic in principle, needs collective and sustained action. The rise in cases this year is still early, and much can still be done."

The DOH continues to promote and the public to follow the 4S strategy: Search and destroy breeding places; use Self-protection; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging or spraying in hot spot areas, especially now that the rainy season is here.

The agency also mentioned that some countries, like Singapore, utilize interventions like Project Wolbachia, which uses bacteria in mosquitoes to prevent the spread of dengue, in an effort to combat this viral disease.

“However, the World Health Organization (WHO) Vector Advisory Group as referred to by Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) recommends that pilot tests for this technology should involve rigorous and independent monitoring and evaluation,” DOH said.

Local health offices may announce an outbreak if they have enough scientific proof from laboratory, epidemiologic, environmental, and disease monitoring studies, and the health secretary may proclaim national or international epidemics, with the exception of situations in which the country's security is in danger.

Source: The Manila Times

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