Dengue cases now over 160,000 with more than 720 deaths — DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The number of recorded dengue cases in the country has climbed to over 160,000 with more than 700 deaths, the Department of Health (DOH) revealed Tuesday.

In the latest report of the DOH’s epidemiology bureau, a total of 167,607 dengue cases were recorded from January 1 to July 27, with 720 deaths.

The DOH also noted 12,880 cases were recorded in only a week’s period from July 21 to July 27.

Western Visayas had the most number of dengue cases at 27,765 with 126 deaths, followed by Calabarzon with 19,732 cases and 69 deaths.

The DOH said the following 10 regions have exceeded the threshold for a dengue epidemic:

-Calabarzon

-Mimaropa

-Bicol Region

-Western Visayas

-Central Visayas

-Eastern Visayas

-Zamboanga Peninsula

-Northern Mindanao

-Soccsksargen

-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

Meanwhile, Ilocos Region and the National Capital Region have already surpassed the threshold for a dengue alert, the DOH said.

Moreover, the DOH said the age group most affected by dengue is around five to nine years old, accounting for 22.8 percent of the cases or 38,268.

The same age group recorded the most number of deaths, with 292 cases or 42 percent. 

The DOH recommended that regions must localize areas with clustering, high attack rates, and case facility ration for the prioritization of response. 

The agency earlier declared a national dengue epidemic as the cases of the mosquito-borne disease continue to increase.

READ: DOH declares national dengue epidemic

A health official also said the number of dengue cases may surge further by October. /je

READ: Dengue cases may surge further by October – DOH exec