DOH: Dengue cases expected to peak in July; public urged to remain cautious | ABS-CBN
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DOH: Dengue cases expected to peak in July; public urged to remain cautious
A child gets a Complete Blood Count test to check for dengue fever at the Potrero Super Health Center in Malabon City on July 15, 2022. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
A child gets a Complete Blood Count test to check for dengue fever at the Potrero Super Health Center in Malabon City on July 15, 2022. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News MANILA — Despite a notable rise in dengue infections at the start of the year, the Department of Health said on Wednesday it expected to observe infections to further rise by the second half of 2025.
MANILA — Despite a notable rise in dengue infections at the start of the year, the Department of Health said on Wednesday it expected to observe infections to further rise by the second half of 2025.
In a press conference at the Rizal Medical Center, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the cycle of an increase in dengue cases occurs every three to five years primarily because of the different serotypes of the virus that circulate.
In a press conference at the Rizal Medical Center, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the cycle of an increase in dengue cases occurs every three to five years primarily because of the different serotypes of the virus that circulate.
“Last outbreak natin is 2019. Pumasok COVID and since that time di pa tayo nagka-dengue outbreak, so we are due. 2025 na. We are actually due for an increase in dengue cases this year,” Herbosa said.
“Last outbreak natin is 2019. Pumasok COVID and since that time di pa tayo nagka-dengue outbreak, so we are due. 2025 na. We are actually due for an increase in dengue cases this year,” Herbosa said.
(The last outbreak we experienced was in 2019. Then COVID came and since that time we haven’t logged an outbreak yet. It’s 2025 so we are actually due for an increase in dengue cases this year.)
(The last outbreak we experienced was in 2019. Then COVID came and since that time we haven’t logged an outbreak yet. It’s 2025 so we are actually due for an increase in dengue cases this year.)
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Even if dengue is endemic in the Philippines, Herbosa said the spread of the virus is exacerbated by climate change. With the country entering the warm and dry season, he said that a decrease in infections could be expected primarily due to regular community cleanup activities, the hot weather is something that is highly conducive to the reproduction of vectors.
Even if dengue is endemic in the Philippines, Herbosa said the spread of the virus is exacerbated by climate change. With the country entering the warm and dry season, he said that a decrease in infections could be expected primarily due to regular community cleanup activities, the hot weather is something that is highly conducive to the reproduction of vectors.
“It will decrease a bit. But when the rainy season arrives, We expect infections to increase. One mosquito can lay up to 100 hundred eggs and after seven days they turn into adult mosquitoes,” the health chief said.
“It will decrease a bit. But when the rainy season arrives, We expect infections to increase. One mosquito can lay up to 100 hundred eggs and after seven days they turn into adult mosquitoes,” the health chief said.
From January 1 to March 1, the country logged some 62,000 dengue cases, which is 73 percent higher compared to the number of infections during the same period in 2025.
From January 1 to March 1, the country logged some 62,000 dengue cases, which is 73 percent higher compared to the number of infections during the same period in 2025.
While deaths from the disease remained low with about three to four deaths for every 1,000 infections, the DOH aims to decrease this figure even further.
While deaths from the disease remained low with about three to four deaths for every 1,000 infections, the DOH aims to decrease this figure even further.
Aside from constant reminders and cleanup drives, Herbosa also ordered the activation of dengue fast lanes in different medical facilities across the country. The health chief said there were about 384 hospitals with dengue fast lanes in both the public and private sector.
Aside from constant reminders and cleanup drives, Herbosa also ordered the activation of dengue fast lanes in different medical facilities across the country. The health chief said there were about 384 hospitals with dengue fast lanes in both the public and private sector.
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The dengue fast lanes are activated during outbreaks or observed increases in infections. Through them, the suspected patients infected by the virus are prioritized, tested and their management fast tracked to ensure their condition does not worsen.
The dengue fast lanes are activated during outbreaks or observed increases in infections. Through them, the suspected patients infected by the virus are prioritized, tested and their management fast tracked to ensure their condition does not worsen.
“Kung saan maraming tao, maraming lamok. Pag may sintomas, pumunta na agad, dalhin ng maaga sa ospital. Merong NS1 test doon,” Herbosa said.
“Kung saan maraming tao, maraming lamok. Pag may sintomas, pumunta na agad, dalhin ng maaga sa ospital. Merong NS1 test doon,” Herbosa said.
(Where there are lots of people, there will always be mosquitoes. If you experience symptoms, seek medical help immediately, they have NS1 tests.)
(Where there are lots of people, there will always be mosquitoes. If you experience symptoms, seek medical help immediately, they have NS1 tests.)
Those suffering from dengue are expected to experience ease especially when it comes to financing following state health insurer PhilHealth’s increase in benefit packages for those suffering from mild to severe dengue.
Those suffering from dengue are expected to experience ease especially when it comes to financing following state health insurer PhilHealth’s increase in benefit packages for those suffering from mild to severe dengue.
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