DOH records over 300,000 dengue cases

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 314,785 dengue cases have been recorded in the country as of October this year, the Department of Health said.

The DOH noted, though, that dengue cases have been decreasing, citing a record for Sept. 29 to Oct. 12 that showed an eight percent decline.

“Cases are declining overall. All regions nationwide did not register an increase within this period,” the DOH said in a statement.

The DOH said the number of deaths decreased this year compared to the same period last year, citing a record that showed a case fatality rate of 0.26 percent as of Oct. 26 (compared to last year’s CFR of 0.34 percent).

“This is likely attributed to better health-seeking practices and improved healthcare delivery,” the DOH said.

While the rainy season is likely to have increased the number of breeding grounds for mosquitoes due to the accumulation of stagnant water in some regions, the DOH assured the public that the country’s health facilities are ready for this.

“Hospitals are well-prepared to manage cases effectively. This is in addition to the conduct of hospital orientations on dengue clinical practice guidelines to ensure hospitals and staff are well-equipped,” the DOH said.

To prevent dengue cases, the department maintains its close coordination with local government units as it urge the public to wear clothes that would cover more of their skin or to use mosquito repellants.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa also advised the public to proceed to the nearest health facility for consultation when suffering from dengue symptoms.

“If a person has fever, headache, stomach pain, rashes and other dengue symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor immediately to prevent death or severe case of dengue,” Herbosa said.