By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said a total of 95,262 cases of dengue have been recorded from Jan. 1 to April 21 this year.
This figure is 75 percent higher than the 54,556 cases logged during the same period last year.
However, a decrease in cases has been observed from March 16 to 29, with 9,289 new cases logged.
It is 23 percent lower compared to the 12,050 new cases recorded from March 2 to 15.
“Nasa 0.36 percent naman ang case fatality rate (CFR) o halos apat sa bawat isang libong kaso ng dengue ang namamatay (The CFR is at 0.36 percent, or almost four out of 1,000 cases of dengue die),” the DOH said.
The agency said the decline in cases could be attributed to strengthened implementation of vector control.
“Iniuugnay ang mababang CFR sa mas maagang pagkonsulta ng mga pasyente base na rin sa health education program ng ahensya tungkol sa mga sintomas na dapat bantayan (The low CFR is attributed to the patients’ early consultation based on our health education program about the symptoms to watch for),” it said.
The Dengue Fast Lanes in public hospitals also provided immediate medical attention to patients, preventing further complications, it added.
The public is urged to keep their environment clean and to destroy possible breeding places of mosquitoes as the rainy season comes by the month of July or August.
Everyone is also advised to wear protective clothing (long sleeves and long pants), use insect repellent, use insecticide-treated screens or curtains, and use mosquito nets when sleeping. (PNA)
