By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said the number of dengue cases nationwide from Jan. 1 to Oct. 26 has reached 314,785.
Latest data show that the country’s case fatality rate is 0.26 percent which is lower compared to last year’s 0.34 percent for the same period.
“For every one hundred Filipinos diagnosed with dengue, the number of deaths decreased this year compared to last year,” the DOH said.
“This is likely attributed to better health-seeking practices and improved healthcare delivery.”
From Sept. 29 to Oct. 12, there are 21,097 cases reported nationwide. This figure is 8 percent lower compared to the 23,032 cases reported from Sept. 15 to 28.
The only regions that logged an increase in cases from Sept. 29 to Oct. 12 are the National Capital Region with 3,002 cases from 2,765 cases; Central Luzon with 2,351 cases from 2,219 cases; and Calabarzon with 3,513 cases from 2,907 cases.
The DOH is working with local government units in the prevention and testing initiatives against dengue.
Its initiatives include destruction of mosquito breeding grounds, information dissemination on protection – covering more of their skin and use mosquito repellants, and early detection and management of cases.
The DOH also provides diagnostic kits and insecticides in hotspot areas. (PNA)
