DOH sees clustering of dengue cases in some parts of PH

Aedes aegypti mosquito, carrier of the dengue virus. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is seeing clustering of dengue cases in some parts of Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Davao, and General Santos City.

In a media forum on Friday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the number of dengue cases from January to October this year was at 59,481, which was even lower than the 76,721 in the same period last year. However, she said a clustering of cases had been observed in some areas.

“We take note na meron po talagang ibang areas ngayon (that there are really areas) which are reporting clustering of cases of dengue, and these are in some parts of Metro Manila, Region 4A, Davao and General Santos,” she said.

Vergeire said the DOH has already coordinated with its regional offices to assist concerned local government units.

In June, the DOH also reported a significant decrease in the number of dengue cases and deaths for early 2021.

Aileen Espiritu, Program Manager of the DOH’s National Aedes-borne Viral Disease Prevention and Control Program, said that there were only 21,478 cases of dengue from January to April 17, or a 56 percent decrease from the 49,135 cases reported from the same period in 2020.

READ: Dengue cases, deaths declining significantly in 2021 — DOH

“This may be attributed to the implementation of the enhanced 4S strategy… that has been strengthened in every household especially when we are placed under community quarantine, wherein most of the people stayed at home which could have also led to a better water sanitation hygiene or wash practices, thus decreasing the mosquito breeding grounds,” she said.