DOH likely to declare dengue outbreak in PH amid rising cases

FILE PHOTO: Mosquito carries dengue. The Department of Health (DOH) is inclined to declare a dengue outbreak in the Philippines as the current number of cases may have already reached “outbreak levels,” according to Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. INQUIRER.net stock images

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is inclined to declare a dengue outbreak in the country as the current number of cases may have already reached “outbreak levels,” according to Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

In a press conference on Monday, the DOH chief was asked if the time to announce a dengue outbreak in the Philippines had now come, to which he replied:

“Ibang [press conference] ‘yan mag-de-declare din ako ng dengue outbreak.”

(That’s for a separate press conference. I will declare a dengue outbreak.)

“Based on my conversation with the Epidemiology Bureau director, pang outbreak levels na ang ating dengue,” he added without providing more details.

(Based on my conversation with the Epidemiology Bureau director, our dengue cases have already reached outbreak levels.)

READ: DOH: Fewer dengue-related deaths in 2024 despite rise in cases

Based on the latest data from DOH, the country’s dengue cases stood at 136,161 from Jan. 1 to Aug. 3, which is 33 percent higher than the 102,374 cases recorded in the same period last year.

It, however, also said that dengue-related deaths during the same period reached 364, lower than the 401 deaths logged in the same period last year.

The DOH reminded the public again to follow the 4S strategy –“Search and Destroy” mosquito breeding places, “Secure Self-Protection” from mosquito bites, “Seek Early Consultation” when signs and symptoms of dengue occur, and “Say Yes to Fogging” – to fight dengue.