THE Department of Health yesterday said there is a surge in dengue cases in the National Capital Region (NCR or Metro Manila), with 14 out of 17 local government units (LGUs) recording higher numbers compared to 2023.
Mary Grace Labayen of the DOH’s Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) – Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) said the NCR has reached the “alert threshold” for dengue.
“Once the alert threshold has been reached, it means that the numbers are higher than the normal level of cases,” she said in a forum.
“The alert threshold is a precautionary tool used by health authorities whenever cases of a particular disease is surging in a specific area,” she added.
Labayen said 24,232 dengue cases were reported in Metro Manila from January 1 to October 26, which is “34.47 percent higher compared to the same period last year at 18,020” and “53.16 percent higher compared to the previous five-year average of 15,821.”
DOH-MMCHD Director Rio Magpantay said 14 out of the 17 LGUs in Metro Manila saw higher cases compared to the previous year.
The cities of Navotas (295 from 143) and Muntinlupa (632 from 316) had the highest jump with 106 percent and 100 percent, respectively.
On the other hand, the cities of Taguig (1,750 from 2,050), Makati (733 from 877), and Malabon (785 from 985) saw lower dengue cases than 2023 with negative 14, 16, and 20 percent, respectively.
Magpantay said the increase in cases may still continue as the rainy season is still prevailing.
Aside from dengue, the DOH-MMCHD is also concerned over the higher number of leptospirosis cases in the NCR.
The DOH said 2,734 leptospirosis cases were reported in Metro Manila from January 1 to October 26.
“This is 90.92 percent higher compared to the same period last year at 1,432,” Labayen said.
All LGUs, except Makati City (43 from 67), saw higher numbers compared to the same time frame last year.
The cities of San Juan (21 from 6), Muntinlupa (52 from 15), Las Piñas (115 from 36), and Marikina (80 from 26) all saw over 200 percent increase in leptospirosis cases.
Nevertheless, the DOH-MMCHD said Metro Manila remains below the alert threshold for leptospirosis.
“The numbers are increasing but it has not yet reached the alert threshold for leptospirosis in Metro Manila,” Labayen said.
“We expect leptospirosis cases to increase further in the coming days, especially from areas affected by the flooding due to ‘Kristine,’” she added.
