DOH: Dengue cases in Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya surpassed 2021 average

The dengue cases in several provinces in the Cagayan Valley region have already exceeded their epidemic threshold for the disease this year as compared to last year, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday.

During a DOH briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said most of the dengue cases reported in the region in the recent four morbidity weeks came from Cagayan, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya.

“Kapag kinumpara natin ‘yung mga numero ng kaso nila sa ngayon, at this current time, comparing to the same period last year, makikita natin na nag-exceed ng threshold o average ang kanilang mga kaso sa ngayon,” she said.

(The average dengue cases in these areas have exceeded the threshold, if we would compare the number of dengue cases at this current time from last year.)

She added that the DOH has already flagged its regional offices and the local government regarding the rise in dengue cases in the region which has recorded eight dengue-related deaths so far.

“Meron na rin tayong naitatalang mga namatay pero hindi naman ho ganon kataas. We have distributed according from January to May itong deaths na walo dito sa Region 2,” she added.

(We already have recorded several deaths but they are not that high. The eight deaths from Region 2 were distributed from January to May.)

Vergeire said the DOH has also provided funds for its regional offices in Cagayan Valley for additional assistance to address the situation.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau chief Dr. Alethea de Guzman earlier said the DOH is also closely monitoring the increase in dengue cases in Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Vergeire further reminded the public to practice the 4S behaviors for the fight against dengue: Search and destroy breeding places; Secure self-protection; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas, especially now during the rainy season. — RSJ, GMA News