DOH: Dengue cases declining amid ‘strong’ El Niño

The dengue cases reported across the Philippines have gone down in the first half of January amid the presence of a “strong” El Niño, data by the Department of Health (DOH) showed Thursday.

The DOH said it observed a 16% decrease of dengue cases nationwide from December 3 to 16 (8,629 cases), to December 17 to 31, 2023 (7,274 cases).

The cases further dropped to 5,572, logged from January 1 to 13, 2024 .

The DOH noted that these numbers may still change due to late consultations and reports.

The Caraga region, however, showed an increase in cases from December 3 to 16, to December 17 to 31, with 635 cases reported in the recent four weeks.

Soccsksargen alone recorded 846 cases in the recent four weeks.

Fourteen deaths were also registered across the country from January 1 to 13, posing a case fatality rate of 0.25%.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa last week warned the public against heat-related illnesses that may emerge now that a “strong” El Niño phenomenon is being experienced in the country.

He said that vector-borne diseases like dengue, and water-borne illnesses like acute gastroenteritis may also be prevalent during this period.

State weather bureau PAGASA said that a “strong” El Niño phenomenon is currently in effect and will persist until February this year.

The DOH thus reminded the public of the 5S strategy to fight against dengue: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; use self-protection measures; seek early consultation; say yes to fogging where needed; and start and sustain hydration.

“Usually, dengue cases increase during the rainy season. However, with El Niño, families and establishments are expected to store water. Water containers must always be covered and regularly cleaned to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs,” the DOH said.

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus which could be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Symptoms of dengue include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rashes. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News