Chikungunya cases up 439 percent
MANILA, Philippines — Chikungunya cases in the country increased by 439 percent from January to March compared to the same period last year, the Department of Health (DOH) reported yesterday.
In its latest disease surveillance report, the DOH said 383 chikungunya cases were recorded as of March 16 compared to 71 last year.
Mimaropa logged the highest number of cases at 105 followed by Northern Mindanao with 91; Zamboanga peninsula, 41; Caraga, 38, and Cagayan Valley, 35.
Data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau showed zero deaths from chikungunya since January this year. No death was recorded during the same period last year.
The World Health Organization said chikungunya virus, which causes fever and severe joint pain, is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Severe cases and deaths from the illness are rare.
- Latest
- Trending
