MANILA, (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a 33 percent increase in dengue cases in the Philippines, with 128,833 infections recorded from January 1 to July 27, 2024, compared to 97,211 cases during the same period last year.
In a concerning trend, dengue cases in Central Visayas have also surged, surpassing the 15,000 mark from January to mid-August. The Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-7) reported 15,394 cases and 35 deaths as of August 17, a significant increase from just 7,132 cases recorded from January to June.
Bohol province has been particularly hard hit, reporting the highest number of cases at 5,165 and declaring a dengue outbreak.
Cebu follows with 4,592 cases, while Negros Oriental has recorded 2,689 cases and Siquijor 637.
In Metro Cebu, Cebu City leads the region with 1,360 cases and three deaths, prompting the Cebu City Health Department to propose a state of public health emergency to combat the rising cases. Mandaue City has reported 437 cases and one death, while Lapu-Lapu City has recorded 504 cases.
Meanwhile, in Capiz, at least five individuals have died from dengue in the first eight months of the year, and Negros Occidental has logged nine fatalities, with 3,234 cases reported as of August 31—an alarming 214.29 percent increase from 1,029 cases in the same period last year.
In response to the growing threat, the DOH has reiterated its “5S” strategy to combat dengue:
- Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites.
- Uphold self-protection measures, such as using insect repellents.
- Seek early consultation at the nearest health care facility.
- Support fogging, spraying, and misting in hotspot areas.
- Sustain hydration for symptom management.
Health experts emphasize the importance of community-based interventions to effectively control virus-carrying mosquitoes.
Preventing mosquito bites is crucial for breaking the transmission cycle of dengue, and the use of mosquito nets is recommended to limit exposure during sleeping hours.
Proper water storage practices are also vital to prevent mosquito proliferation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bayo Segun, a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the role of climate change in the rising incidence of dengue during the first Dengue Summit held in Manila last June.
“The most critical factors associated with dengue are temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity,” he said.
The forecast of a 70 percent chance of La Niña occurring from August to October is expected to bring increased rainfall to the country.
This climate pattern may lead to more low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones, creating additional breeding sites for mosquitoes.
Warmer temperatures can also speed up the mosquito life cycle and the replication rate of the dengue virus.
Given the unpredictable weather patterns and changing mosquito behaviors, vaccination has been highlighted as an essential intervention. It can help prevent severe cases of dengue and reduce reliance on behavioral measures.
Dr. Adorissa M. Jurao of the Department of Health (DOH)-Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Cluster, for her part, emphasized that the preventive measures against dengue can be sustained by fostering health-seeking behaviors at home.
“Huwag po tayo matakot sa sakit na dengue dahil ang pag-iwas dito ay nanggagaling din po sa atin mismo, lalo na sa sarili nating bahay by ensuring na wala po tayong breeding sites ng mga lamok,” said Jurao in a Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas (KBP) media forum last July 2024.
(Don’t be afraid of dengue disease because its prevention depends on us, especially at our homes, by ensuring that mosquito breeding sites are destroyed.)
As the Philippines faces ongoing challenges from dengue, the DOH urges the public to remain vigilant as dengue remains a persistent threat to public health.
The integration of vector control, personal protection, and vaccination is crucial in the fight against this century-old disease. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
