Cagayan Valley dengue cases up 897%

MANILA, Philippines — Dengue cases in Cagayan Valley have soared by 897 percent.

Dr. Romulo Turingan, Department of Health (DOH)-Cagayan Valley Disease Prevention and Control Cluster head, said 2,014 dengue cases were reported in the region from January to June 4 compared to only 202 during the same period last year.

In a radio interview, Turingan blamed the surge to increased mobility with the lifting of travel restrictions and the onset of the rainy season.

“Nakakalimutan na ang search and destroy ng breeding places dahil focused sa COVID,” he said.

In a virtual briefing on Tuesday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said dengue cases in Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya have exceeded the alert and epidemic thresholds.

She said the DOH is working with concerned local government units and regional offices to address the dengue problem in Cagayan Valley.

Vergeire said dengue cases also increased in Zamboanga two weeks ago.

At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on Wednesday, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the DOH observed pockets of dengue outbreaks in three regions.

He said the DOH has issued advisories reminding the public to destroy mosquito-breeding sites in their areas and immediately seek medical treatment when experiencing dengue symptoms.