Dengue cases rise 192%

MANILA, Philippines — Dengue cases in the country continue to increase, with more than 180,000 recorded nationwide so far this year.

A disease surveillance report of the Department of Health (DOH) showed that 187,560 dengue cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to Oct. 22.

The cases were 192 percent higher compared to the 64,126 reported during the same period last year.

Central Luzon logged the highest number of cases with 37,152 followed by the National Capital Region, 21,033, and Calabarzon, 15,763.

The regions that recorded the highest increase in cases compared to last year are Cagayan Valley with 192 percent or from 771 to 15,592; Zamboanga peninsula, 817 percent or 982 to 9,002, and Central Visayas, 664 percent, from 2,002 to 15,288.

Data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau showed that dengue-related deaths also increased this year.

At least 613 deaths have been recorded in the past 10 months, a case fatality rate of 0.3 percent

During the same period last year, 233 deaths were recorded.

Central Visayas recorded the highest number of deaths due to dengue at 94 followed by Western Visayas, 81, and Central Luzon, 78.

The DOH reiterated its reminder to the public to practice the so-called 4S strategy to prevent dengue.

This stands for search and destroy breeding places, secure self protection, seek early consultation and support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas.

Leptospirosis outbreak

Meanwhile, in Zamboanga City, leptospirosis cases reached the outbreak level, with 97 cases and 12 deaths recorded in the past two weeks alone.

The spike in cases was reported following widespread flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng, city health officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite said.

She said leptospirosis was reported in 20 barangays affected by flooding.

“If we look at the cases, we are in the outbreak status. The number of cases within two weeks alone breached the epidemic threshold,” she said.

Mayor John Dalipe said the city government is planning a rat-for-rice program to prevent the spread of leptospirosis. – Roel Pareño