DOH: Dengue cases down by 46% this year

MANILA, Philippines — Dengue cases from January to May in the country are down by nearly half compared to the same period last year, an official from the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

Dr. Norielyn Evangelista, program manager of the DOH’s Dengue Prevention and Control program said a total of 50,169 cases were recorded from January to May this year while a total of 92,808 dengue cases were recorded for the same period in 2019.

This is down by 46%, Evangelista said.

“If we compare 2019 and 2020, bumaba tayo ng 46% this year,” she told reporters in an online media forum.

Evangelista attributed the decrease in the increased awareness of people in maintaining personal hygiene and in cleaning places where mosquitoes may multiply.

She, however, reminded people that should they experience symptoms of dengue, they should go to the nearest health facility to get checked. Individuals going to the healthcare facilities should practice physical distancing and wear face masks to avoid contracting the coronavirus.

If they are unsure of their symptoms, the public may use telemedicine to consult with health professionals without going to the hospital, the DOH said.

/MUF