DOH: Fewer dengue deaths despite 33% case increase

Fewer dengue-related deaths were recorded this year compared to last year despite an increase in cases, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Thursday.

From January 1 to August 3, there were 364 dengue-related deaths nationwide, down from 401 during the same period last year.

However, dengue cases rose by 33 percent this year, with 136,161 cases recorded compared to 102,374 in the previous year.

DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo attributed the lower death toll partly to early consultations and improved hospital management of cases.

The DOH emphasized the importance of continuing preventive measures such as cleaning surroundings and eliminating mosquito breeding sites, as well as adhering to the '4S' strategy against dengue.