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Dengue cases reach over 52,000 in first quarter —DOH


Dengue cases reported to the Department of Health have already reached almost 52,600 for the year, with more than 200 dying from the disease.

A report from the Department of Health’s Epidemiology Bureau shows that a total of 52,595 dengue cases have been reported in the country from January 1 up to March 23, 2019, with 210 deaths. Most of those affected were five to nine years old.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo told GMA News that this was a 76 percent jump from last year’s 29,861 reported cases for the same period.

The dengue virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes that bite during the day.

Domingo said the number of dengue cases was expected to increase this year because of the El Niño.

“Naipakita rin na merong parang connection yung El Nio sa pagtaas ng cases kasi yung init tsaka yung panahon, parang nagiging mas agresibo yung mga lamok na mangagat ng tao at humahaba yung buhay nila,” Domingo said.

And because of the lack of a steady supply of water in some areas, many residents are storing water where dengue virus-carrying mosquitoes can breed.

“Kapag El Niño kasi, unang-una siyempre, nag-iipon tayo ng tubig sa mga lalagyan na maaaring pagbahayan at pagpugaran ng mga lamok,” Domingo said.

Domingo said dengue followed a natural cycle where the number of reported cases are low for two years, such as in 2017 and 2018, and then spiking on the third year.

“Ngayong 2019, mukhang marami,” Domingo said.

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, Domingo advised the public to store water properly.

“Tatakpan lang natin at papalitan lang lagi para hindi siya pagpugaran ng lamok,” Domingo said.

The DOH is also pushing for the 4S strategy: Search and destroy, seek early consultation, self protection measures, and say yes to fogging during dengue outbreaks. —NB, GMA News

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