PH dengue cases rise 106% with 319 deaths

The Philippines has recorded a significant 106% increase in dengue cases, with 82,597 logged from January 1 to July 16, 2022, compared to 40,096 cases in the same period last year.

A total of 319 deaths attributed to dengue have been reported nationwide during this period.

Central Luzon reported the highest number of cases with 13,449 (16%), followed by Western Visayas with 8,905 (11%), and the National Capital Region (NCR) with 6,884 (8%).

In Negros Oriental, dengue cases from January 1 to July 30, 2022, surged by 160% to 1,067 cases, with six deaths reported, compared to 410 cases and no deaths in the same period last year.

Ten out of the country's 17 regions have surpassed the epidemic threshold in the last four weeks.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Alethea De Guzman stated that hospitals have sufficient bed capacity to manage dengue patients.

Hospitals have been instructed to set up dengue fast lanes to cater to the needs of these patients, especially as cases begin to rise.