Dengue cases up 96% – DOH

MANILA, Philippines — Dengue cases in the country have almost doubled compared to last year, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Up to 73,909 dengue cases, with 299 deaths, were reported nationwide as of July 9, DOH data showed.

“This is cumulatively 96 percent higher compared to the reported cases during the same period last year, which were around 37,000 cases,” DOH deputy spokesperson Beverly Ho told an online briefing.

She said most of the reported cases are in Central Luzon, Central Visayas and the National Capital Region.

The DOH had earlier said 15 of the 17 regions nationwide have surpassed the dengue epidemic threshold.

To stop the surge in cases, the DOH reiterated its call for the public to practice the 4S strategy.

This means search and destroy breeding places, secure self-protection from mosquito bite, seek early consultation when symptoms of dengue occur and support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas.

The DOH said the rise in dengue cases is alarming because many patients have been hospitalized.

There have been renewed calls to use the Dengvaxia vaccine amid the surge in dengue cases.