DOH monitors chikungunya cases in 23 areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) is now investigating if chikungunya is re-emerging in the country, as 23 areas now have cases of the mosquito-borne disease.

DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag said there are “23 events” of chikungunya that they are monitoring this year, thus raising suspicion that the disease has re-surfaced.

Tayag said the country last saw a significant number of chikungunya cases in the 1960s until Tropical Storm Sendong hit in 2011.

“It’s happening and we traced that it started after Sendong. In 2011, there were outbreaks in Cagayan de Oro and Davao, and then in 2012, there were cases in 12 areas,” he said.

Tayag could not immediately recall now many chikungunya cases were reported to the DOH this year, saying though that there have been no deaths.

Among the 23 areas being monitored are Sultan Kudaran and Patnongon in Antique where 313 cases have been documented. 

Tayag said chikungunya could have been brought to Patnongon by a 66-year-old infected woman from Taytay, Rizal who visited the town a few months ago.