DOH set to declare dengue outbreak

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Monday said he is set to declare a dengue outbreak soon as the number of dengue cases in the country are now at “outbreak levels.”

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa says he is set to declare a dengue outbreak soon as the number of dengue cases are now on “outbreak levels.” @gmanews pic.twitter.com/J17jw7Ym03

— Giselle Ombay (@giselleombay_) August 19, 2024

“Magde-declare rin ako ng dengue outbreak kasi based on my conversation with our Epidemiology Bureau director, outbreak levels na ang ating dengue,” he said at a press conference.

(I will declare a dengue outbreak because based on my conversation with our Epidemiology Bureau director, our dengue is at outbreak levels.)

Herbosa refrained from giving additional information on the matter, but based on the Department of Health’s (DOH) latest data, the dengue cases nationwide increased by 33% year over year from 102,374 to 136,161, as of August 3.

Fewer deaths due to dengue were recorded so far this year at 364, compared to the 401 last year.

Some areas outside of Metro Manila have recorded a spike in dengue cases beginning in July 2024, with others like Ormoc City in Leyte having to declare a state of calamity.

A province-wide dengue outbreak was also reported in Iloilo due to the rising cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever in 36 of Iloilo’s 43 local government units.

In Manila City, misting and spraying activities will be conducted in all public schools from August 19 to September 20, 2024 amid the rise in dengue cases.

The DOH has been reminding the public to practice the 4S strategy against dengue: Search and destroy breeding places; Secure self-protection; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas, especially now that the rainy season is here. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News