LEGAZPI CITY –– The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol reported that the number of dengue cases in the region has dropped by 65 percent during the first two quarters of this year.
The DOH Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit said that from January 1 to July 18, there were 1,231 dengue cases, with 10 deaths reported; compared to the same period last year with 3,501 cases, and 42 deaths.
Camarines Sur had the highest number of cases, with 601 and two deaths; followed by Sorsogon, with 234 cases and three deaths, and Camarines Norte, with 138 cases and two deaths.
In Albay, 111 cases were recorded, with three deaths; Masbate, with 110 cases; Catanduanes, 33 cases; and others (transients) four cases.
The DOH tracker showed that most of the dengue patients were children six to nine years old.
The DOH warned that dengue cases could increase with the rainy season and advised the public to follow the 4S strategy (search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; self-protection; seek early consultation, and say yes to fogging in hotspot areas) to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.