Public health authorities have warned of possible increase in dengue cases during the rainy season, prompting Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go to issue a statement on Friday urging heightened vigilance and stronger community interventions.
The Department of Health (DOH) recently reported that while there has been a three-percent rise in dengue cases from 5,212 to 5,359 between the weeks of April to early May, a lower number was recorded at 3,992 from May 12 to 25.
The DOH said it is cautious with interpreting these numbers, as case counts may change with late reports coming in, and we are already in the rainy season. From the start of the year up to May 25, a total of 67,874 dengue cases have already been recorded, with 189 deaths.
Go underscored the urgency of enhancing preventive measures and fostering robust community engagement to curb the spread of dengue. He stressed that coordinated efforts between government entities and local communities are crucial to addressing this public health threat.
Dengue is caused by a virus that mosquitoes spread to people. It is common in tropical climates like in the Philippines. The best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites, especially during the day, according to DOH.
“The solution is simple to say but needs community effort to do: kill mosquitoes so that the dengue they bring will not kill you. The rains may have started but we can still search and destroy mosquito breeding sites – wherever water can accumulate and stay still,” said DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
The DOH also encouraged the use of self-protection measures like long sleeves and pants that cover the skin, or mosquito repellent lotions and sprays. The public is also advised to seek early consultation for any symptoms like fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, and rashes.
“Dengue is seasonal. We may have low case counts now, but if we relax, they will go up more than we want. Keep killing mosquitoes and stop them from biting you and your loved ones. Let’s keep Dengue down!” Herbosa reminded.
Go advocated for a multi-sectoral approach involving the DOH, local government units (LGUs), the private sector, and communities to aggressively tackle the issue. He stressed the importance of regular monitoring, cleanup operations, and public health education to reduce mosquito breeding sites.