The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Sunday that dengue cases have decreased nationwide, despite the increase in scattered rains.
The DOH reports that between April 7 and April 20, there were 5,211 cases, down from 5,380 between March 24 and April 6. Only 3,634 instances were reported between April 21 and May 4, indicating an even more notable 30% decrease.
The health department issued a warning, though, saying that because of delayed reporting, these numbers could change.
59,267 dengue cases and 164 deaths have been reported from the Philippines this year.
“Everywhere or anything where water can accumulate and remain still should be searched for and destroyed as mosquito breeding sites by families and communities before the rainy season fully sets in,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.
In warm climates like the Philippines, mosquitoes spread the dengue virus. Many dengue patients do not show any symptoms at all, but those who do may have rashes, nausea, joint and muscular discomfort, high fever, and intense headaches. Most people recover from these symptoms in a week or two, and they usually start four to ten days after a mosquito bite and last for two to seven days.
But dengue can worsen to the point where hospitalization is necessary. Severe abdominal discomfort, vomiting that doesn’t go away, fast breathing, bleeding gums and nose, weariness, restlessness, blood in the stool or vomit, extreme thirst, pale and cold skin, and exhaustion are all indicators of severe dengue.
