DOH sees increase in Philippine chikungunya cases

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said there is an increase in chikungunya cases in the country compared to last year.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said they are continuously surveilling cases of the viral disease.

“Pagtinignan po kasi natin at kinukumpara natin ang mga numero ng chikungunya detection ngayong 2022 compare to the previous year 2021, makikita natin talaga na tumaas,” Vergeire said in an interview on GMA’s Balitanghali.

“Pero kailangan maintindihan natin during last year ang ating surveillance system were mainly focus on COVID-19 because of the increase in the number of cases so baka factor yan. Kaya baka mas mababa talaga ang naitatala natin last year because of the circumstance ng COVID-19,” she explained.

She said that chikungunya was caused by a mosquito bite. Among the symptoms are fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, and rashes.

“Ang distinct po na feature nitong sakit na ito ay yung pagsakit ng kasukasuan, ang nagkakasakit ng chikungunya,” she said.

Vergeire also said that this happens in all age groups, adding that adults can acquire the illness.

To avoid the illness, the health official suggested that surroundings be kept clean, stagnant water should be cleared , and clothing that prevents mosquito bites should be worn.

“Kailangan po mag-prevent tayo, linisin ang kapaligiran itapon yung mga tubig na stagnant sa ating kapaligiran, and of course we protect ourselves by wearing mahahabang damit para hindi nakakagat ng lamok at kapag may sakit na magpatingin,” she added. — Richa Noriega/DVM, GMA Integrated News