(UPDATE) THE Department of Health (DoH) reported on Thursday that the number of dengue cases nationwide has dropped from 7,274 (recorded from Dec. 17-31, 2023) to 5,572 (recorded from Jan. 1-13, 2024).
The DoH said that only Region 7 showed an increase during the first two weeks of the year with 428 cases.
'Usually, dengue cases increase during the rainy season. However, with El Niño, families and establishments are expected to store water,' the DoH said.
The Health department advised the public to keep water containers covered to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs on them.
It added that people should follow the five S strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; use self-protection measures; seek early consultation; say yes to fogging where needed; and start and sustain hydration.
The World Health Organization defined dengue as a mosquito-borne viral infection that manifests a severe flu-like illness with potentially lethal complications.