Dengue cases in the Philippines rise by 81%
The Philippines has recorded 340,860 dengue cases from January to mid-November this year.
This is 81% higher than the same period in 2023, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The Department of Health reported 881 deaths linked to dengue during this time. The fatality rate is 0.26%, which is lower than the 0.34% recorded last year.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herboza urged people to be alert, especially after six typhoons hit the country in October and November.
Dengue is common in the Philippines and usually increases during the rainy season. Recent rainfall and flooding have led to increased cases.
Meanwhile, health officials are pushing for preventive measures to control the spread.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can lead to a range of symptoms, including high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, bleeding, and even death in severe cases.
It is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
