Dengue cases rise by 121% in NCR

Manila, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) reported yesterday that dengue cases in Metro Manila rose by 121 percent in the past three months compared to the same period last year.

Based on records from the DOH’s National Epidemiology Center, 4,399 cases were recorded in Metro Manila from January to March this year from 1,984 cases during the same period last year.

NEC chief Dr. Eric Tayag said the DOH reported a total of 14,837 dengue cases, including 89 deaths, nationwide for the past three months, with the National Capital Region accounting for the bulk of hospital admissions. He said although the recorded number of cases all over the country is four percent lower than last year, authorities are still concerned.

“It may be lower but the recorded number of dengue cases is still relatively a big number so we feel there is a need to intensify our anti-dengue campaign,” Tayag said.

He said though no outbreaks have been recorded in Metro Manila this year, health authorities have identified Pasig and Valenzuela as dengue hotspots due to the clustering and increase in the number of dengue cases over two consecutive weeks.

To prevent the spread of dengue in Metro Manila and other regions, the DOH yesterday forged an agreement with the Department of Science and Technology for the distribution of mosquito traps to 700,000 households nationwide over six months.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona said it is possible that the incidence of dengue this year could be worse than last year, when more than 100,000 persons fell ill with dengue.

“This year, although the cases are still lower, there has been an early dramatic peak in the number of cases and a sign of another impending epidemic,” he said.

According to Ona, climate change, rapid urbanization and international travel have made dengue a serious health concern all over the globe.