Number of dengue cases in Bicol drops to 45 percent in 1st half of 2020

LEGAZPI CITY –– The number of dengue cases in Bicol during the first half of 2020 has dropped by 45 percent, from over 2,000 cases last year to 1,183 cases this year, the Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol said.

The Dengue Surveillance units said from January to June 20, they recorded 1,183 cases and 10 deaths, a significant drop from the 2,133 cases and 34 deaths reported during the same period in 2019.

The dengue tracker recorded that Camarines Sur has the highest number of dengue patients recorded with 584 cases and two deaths.

This is followed by Sorsogon with 226 cases and three deaths, Camarines Norte with 129 cases and two deaths, Masbate with 109 cases, Albay with 105 cases and three deaths, and Catanduanes with 26.

Four patients were listed as “others” as they were transients and non-residents of Bicol.

Sorsogon City and Naga City were listed at the top of cities with the most number of dengue incidences with 148 cases and two deaths and 116 cases, respectively.

DOH Bicol warned that the cases of the mosquito-borne disease could increase due to the onset of the rainy season.

The advisory urged the public to follow the 4S strategy to eliminate the cases in Bicol. The 4S strategy means “search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, self-protection measures, seek early consultation and say yes to fogging when there is an impending outbreak or a hotspot.”

LZB