Dengue cases up in QC, Western Visayas —DOH

The Philippines reported more than 60,000 dengue cases from January to May this year, data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed. 

In Mark Salazar’s 24 Oras report on Tuesday, figures showed around 67,874 dengue cases were monitored in the country in the first five months of 2024.

An increase in cases wwas recorded in some areas that include Quezon City and parts of Western Visayas.

“From January 1 to June 1, 2024, total na natin is 1,218 dengue cases. 268 cases higher compared to the same time last year or 28% higher,” Dr. Ramona Asunscion DG. Abarquez, MD, MPH, Quezon City Acting Health Officer III, said.

(From January 1 to June 1, 2024, our total is 1,218 dengue cases. 268 cases higher compared to the same time last year or 28% higher.)

The DOH Western Visayas said clustering dengue cases were monitored in 20 barangays. At least 3,283 cases were recorded in the region from January to June.

“Dun tayo nag-aabang at nagre-ready. Wala sana naiipon na tubig kahit gaano kaliit o karami, dapat walang nas-stayan ang lamok. Saan ba usual gusto ng lamok? Sa madilim, madalas wet ang lugar. ‘Yung may mga naiipon na basura,” Abarquez added.

(We’re getting ready for the rainy season.  There should be no stagnant water, no matter the amount; mosquitoes should have no place to stay. Where do mosquitoes usually prefer to stay? In dark, often wet places.)

Meanwhile, the DOH said over 60% of dengue cases exhibited no symptoms.

“Nasa 60% ng cases ay dengue without warning signs hindi na siya typical. 39% ang dengue ang with warning signs, 1% ang severe dengue,” Abarquez added.

(At least 60% of the cases did not exhibit warning signs. This is not typical. 39% had warning signs and 1% is severe.)

According to DOH, dengue is caused by a virus that spreads from mosquitoes to people.

Some of its symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, and rashes.

A person with dengue may experience the symptoms four to 10 days after a mosquito bite.—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News