Nearly 400 dead due to dengue in 2024 —DOH data

A total of 396 people nationwide have died so far this year due to dengue, as cases continue to rise this rainy season, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday. 

Latest data from DOH showed that the 396 deaths were recorded from January 1 to August 10, 2024. It is lower than the 421 deaths logged during the same period last year.

A 24% increase in dengue cases was also observed from 18,784 on June 30-July 13 period to 23,290 on July 14-July 27. 

Only 13,369 cases were reported on July 28-August 10, but the DOH said this may be due to late consultations and reports.

All in all, 150,354 dengue cases were recorded nationwide starting January 1 up to August 10, which is 39% higher compared to the 107,953 dengue cases during the same period in 2023.

All regions except SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Bicol Region had an increase in cases in the recent three to four weeks counting back from August 10.

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.”

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 during the rainy season. —KBK, GMA Integrated News