Dengue Cases Nationwide Continue to Decrease at 27.08%

The Department of Health (DOH) today reported that dengue cases nationwide from January to September 3 this year continue to decrease at 63,741 which is 27.08% lower compared to the same period last year. There were 373 deaths.

 

Last year for the same period, cases reached 87,409 with 586 deaths.

 

Most of the cases came from the National Capital Region (14,081) Central Luzon (11,427), CALABARZON (9,414), Ilocos region (8,811), and Cagayan Valley (3,942).

 

Ages of cases ranged from less than a month to 92 years old. Majority (53%) of reported cases were male. Most (41%) belonged to the 1-10 years age group.

 

“The marked reduction in cases can be attributed to the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, especially local governments, who disseminated timely information to residents and spearheaded clean-up drives in their communities,” Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona explained.

 

However, Ona warned the public not to be complacent as dengue is an all-year round public health threat.

 

At the National Capital Region, most cases are from Quezon City (4,385), Kalookan City (1,802), Manila (1,620), Valenzuela (1,029), Pasig (800) and Malabon (706).

 

The health chief noted that dengue is a preventable disease. He urged the public to continue maintaining clean surroundings by ensuring 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 suspect dengue cases to seek immediate medical consultation for proper case management. Some of the disease’s signs and symptoms are high continuous fever lasting for 2-7 days, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, body weakness, bleeding from nose and gums, and persistent red spots on the face, extremities and trunks.