DOH: Dengue cases climb to 40,614

MANILA, Philippines — The dengue cases recorded nationwide have reached over 40,000, the Department of Health (DOH) said Friday.

The latest data from the DOH Epidemiology Bureau showed a total of 40,614 dengue cases recorded from January 1 to March 2.

The number is 68 percent or 16,383 higher than the cases recorded in the same period last year, the DOH said.

As the number of dengue cases increase, the DOH urged the public to prevent dengue through the enhanced 4-S strategy.

The 4-S strategy consists of: searching and destroying mosquito-breeding sites, self-protection measures, seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging in times of impending outbreak.

There is no specific treatment for dengue, but early detection and access to medical care lowers fatality rates below one percent, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

“We are encouraging the public to practice the 4-S strategy, especially now that there are more opportunities for the mosquitoes to make stagnant water around these water containers their breeding places,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a statement. /je