MANILA, Philippines — An increase in dengue cases by 40 percent has been recorded in Calabarzon, according to the Department of Health.
DOH-Calabarzon regional director Dr. Ariel Valencia said Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal recorded an upward trend in dengue cases due to the rainy season and increased mobility.
He said Calabarzon posted 5,571 dengue cases or 40 percent higher than the 3,989 recorded during the same period last year. Twelve deaths were recorded.
Valencia said Laguna logged the highest number of cases at 1,806 followed by Rizal with 1,161 and Quezon, 987.
Cavite recorded 802 cases; Batangas, 745, and Lucena, 70.
DOH data showed that the age of dengue patients ranged from two to 60.
Valencia urged residents of the region to take the necessary precautions as cases may further rise since the rainy season is not yet over.
“Ito yung mga panahon na tumataas ang bilang nila, kaakibat na ito ng tag-ulan at pagbaba ng temperature. It’s their breeding season,” Valencia said.
Calabarzon is among the 15 of the 17 regions in the country that surpassed the epidemic threshold for dengue, based on DOH data from May 29 to June 5.
The DOH reiterated its reminder to the public to follow the 4S strategy, referring to search and destroy breeding places, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas to prevent an outbreak.
Dengue is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include a sudden onset of fever with severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, rash, easy bruising and nose or gum bleeding.
In 2019, the DOH declared a national dengue epidemic after 146,062 cases and 622 deaths were recorded from January to July 20. The cases were 98 percent higher compared to the same period in 2018.
Calabarzon logged the second highest number of cases at the time.