Dengue has killed almost 400 this year, cases are ‘expected to rise’ – DOH

Mosquito (INQUIRER.net file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly 400 dengue-related deaths have been reported since the beginning of the year until mid-August, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the health department said a total of 396 deaths have been recorded nationwide from January 1 to August 10.

READ: DOH likely to declare dengue outbreak in PH amid rising cases

This is lower than the 421 deaths logged during the same period last year, the DOH noted.

However, it also said that a total of 150,354 dengue cases have already been reported during the same period this year.

“This is 39% higher compared to the 107,953 dengue cases reported in the same period in 2023,” the DOH said.

All regions in the country, except Soccsksargen, Zamboanga Peninsula and Bicol, registered an increase in cases in the past three to four weeks counting back from August 10.

READ: PH provinces see spike in dengue cases

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reiterated his warning to the public against dengue.

“Dengue has a seasonal pattern. Case counts are expected to rise during the rainy months. It is good that more Filipinos are seeking early consultation that leads to [fewer] deaths,” he said, as quoted in the statement.

“Keep cleaning our surroundings. Search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds, anything with stagnant water,” he added.