MANILA, Philippines – As the country sees a spike in leptospirosis cases as a result of recent relentless rains, a significant movement in the seasonal rise of Dengue cases is logged yet again but with fewer deaths this time according to the Department of Health.
According to the agency’s national data as of August 3 (morbidity week 31), cases peaked at 136,161. This is 33% higher compared to the 102,374 cases in the same period last year.
Despite the notable increase, fewer deaths were recorded this year compared to last year for the same period. The DOH attributes this to the people’s will of seeking early consultations and medications resulting in better case management.
“Lower deaths despite higher cases means our campaigns are working. Let us continue to seek early consultation for symptoms that may already be Dengue. Let us also keep cleaning our surroundings – search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds: anything with stagnant water,” said Health Chief Teodoro J. Herbosa.
