Dengue Updates today.
The Department of Health (DOH) today reported that dengue cases nationwide from January to September 24th of this year continue to decrease, the count now being at 83,459 cases, which is 22.40% lower compared to the same period last year. There were 467 deaths.
For the same period last year, cases reached 107,550 with 668 deaths.
July and August represent the peak months for dengue. Cases in July and August this year decreased by 41.99% compared to last year.
The bulk of Dengue cases are coming from the National Capital Region (18,085) Central Luzon (18,081), and CALABARZON (11,622). These three regions, along with Ilocos and Cagayan Valley are the only regions which registered higher numbers compared to last year. In the National Capital Region, most cases were from Quezon City (5,899), Manila (2,319), Kalookan City (2,086), Valenzuela (1,197), and Pasig (1,002).
Ages of affected individuals ranged from less than one month to 92 years old. Majority (53%) of reported cases were male. Most (41%) belonged to the 1-10 years age group.
“While we see that dengue cases are lower nationwide, Metro Manila and Central Luzon have been hit hardest by the disease” said Secretary Enrique Ona. “We need to double our control efforts in the region especially after the floods from the recent typhoons.”
The health chief has instructed the DOH Regional Offices to work closely to with the concerned local government units in scaling up the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue or ABaKaDa campaign to significantly reduce the number of dengue cases. ABaKaDa includes community clean-up drives, fogging in areas with high incidence, and other vector control initiatives.
“I also call on the public to be conscious of the threat of dengue and emphasize the importance of their cooperation in the drive against it, he said, adding that they should also continue maintaining cleanliness to ensure that all possible mosquito breeding sites are destroyed or discarded. Some of the common breeding sites of the Aedes Aegypti are empty softdrink bottles, bamboo husks, old tires, and flower vases.
To prevent complications and deaths, Ona advised all suspected dengue cases to seek immediate medical consultation for proper case management. Some of the disease’s signs and symptoms include continuous high fever that lasts for 2-7 days, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, body weakness, bleeding from the nose and gums, and persistent red spots on the face, extremities and trunk.
“Let us continue to work together to finally control this menace,” concluded Sec. Ona. (DOH Press Release)
For more updates on dengue click HERE
