DOH declares dengue outbreak; 136K cases since January

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa announced on Monday that the Department of Health (DOH) will declare a dengue outbreak in the Philippines due to reaching 'outbreak levels' based on recent data.

From January 1 to August 3, 2024, there were 136,161 dengue cases in the country, marking a 33 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Several areas outside of Metro Manila have experienced spikes in dengue cases since July 2024, with places like Ormoc City declaring states of calamity due to the outbreak.

Iloilo province is also experiencing an outbreak, affecting 36 out of 43 local government units.

To combat the spread of dengue, Manila-LGU will conduct misting and spraying activities in public schools from August 19 to September 20, 2024.

The DOH continues to emphasize its '4S strategy' - Search and Destroy mosquito breeding places, Secure Self-Protection from mosquito bites, Seek Early Consultation for symptoms, and Say Yes to Fogging or Spraying in hotspot areas.