Dengue cases up by 75%

24-26 August 2010

According to the Department of Health (DOH)–National Epidemiology Center (NEC), there were already 54,659 dengue cases reported in hospitals nationwide from January 1 to August 14. It is 74.9% higher compared to last year’s 31,428 reported cases for the same period. The recorded deaths due to dengue is also higher with 429 deaths compared to 327 in 2009.

According to report, Western Visayas had the highest number of dengue patients with 7,680. “Other regions with the highest number of dengue cases include Soccsksargen with 6,470 cases followed by Calabarzon with 5,739 cases; National Capital Region with 4,744 cases; and Davao with 4,658 cases” (SunStar Manila, Aug. 24, 2010).

Meanwhile, Eastern Visayas had the biggest increase of dengue from 375 cases in 2009 to 5,435 cases this year. That is 1,378 percent higher than last year.

In Zamboanga City, on the other hand, the city health officials declared dengue outbreak on Tuesday due to 1,755 confirmed cases recorded and 20 deaths in the city since the start of the year. The Philippine Red Cross already called for massive blood donations for dengue patients in Davao City.

DOH said that number of dengue cases could reach 80,000 if people would not take precautionary measures.

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com, SunStar Manila, Philippine News Agency