THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday said there is an unexpected surge in dengue cases, particularly in nine local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon regions.
The LGUs include Quezon City which declared an outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease last Saturday.
DOH data shows 28,234 dengue cases have been recorded nationwide as of February 1. This is a 40 percent increase compared to the same period last year. In the case of Quezon City, its Epidemiology and Surveillance Division recorded nearly a 200 percent increase in dengue cases compared to last year.
“There is an unusual rise in dengue cases seen by the DOH, as it usually happens around June onwards or during the rainy season,” Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said in a statement.
According to Domingo, the increase in dengue cases can be attributed to climate change, particularly heavy rainfall.
“That is the problem, the water accumulating that can result in dengue-carrying mosquitoes,” he said.
Domingo renewed the department’s call for the public to observe safety measures to avoid dengue, including search and destroy of mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating stagnant water and their containers, and use of self-protection like insect repellent and long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
“Death due to dengue can be avoided if there is early consultation,” Domingo said.
