Dengue also common during dry season – DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public that dengue cases nationwide might rise further, even during the months usually referred to as summer in the country.

“Many will think dengue will only happen during the rainy season. That is not the case,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a recent press briefing.

Vergeire noted that dengue is endemic in the country and, thus, cases may rise at any time even during dry season.

“This summer, the usual cause (in the rise of the number of cases) is inadequate water supply,” she said in Filipino.

She pointed out that people, due to the water shortage during the summer season, commonly store water but fail to cover containers properly.

“The dengue-carrying mosquito breeds in clean and stagnant water. All water-storing containers should be covered to prevent mosquitoes from breeding within our own homes,” the health chief stressed.

The DOH previously reported that dengue cases nationwide rose by 94 percent – almost double the figure during the first quarter of the year – with the National Capital Region posting the biggest number of cases.

The NCR is followed by Central Luzon and Davao region, which also reported cases.

Vergeire urged the public to take the necessary precautions against the mosquito-borne illness and help prevent a further rise in dengue cases.

She reminded the public to regularly clean their surroundings and destroy possible mosquito breeding sites.