Lipa City, Batangas – The Department of Health (DOH)- CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) reported an increase of 124 percent, higher than the reported cases during the same period in 2021.
DOH-Calabarzon Regional Director Ariel Valencia said all provinces in CALABARZON have recorded an upward trend in dengue cases due to the rainy season and increased mobility.
“Patuloy ang pagtaas ng cases natin sa dengue, dahil parin sa patuloy na mga pag-ulan at ang pagtaas ng mobility dahil sa economic activity,” Valencia said.
He added that CALABARZON posted 11,842 dengue cases which is 124 percent higher than the 5, 287 cases recorded during the same period last year.
There were 19 deaths recorded. Data also showed that the primary age group affected by dengue ranged from 1 to 10 years old.
Laguna province logged the highest number of cases at 3,705 followed by Rizal with 2,554; Cavite with 2, 077; Quezon 1, 799; Batangas with 1, 599; and Lucena with 108.
DOH encouraged residents to take the necessary precautions as cases continue to rise since the rainy season is not over.
“Nananawagan ako sa lahat ng mga residente na gawin ang lahat ng mga pag-iingat para maiwasan natin ang paghantong sa epidemic,” Valencia said.
“Ngayong nagsimula na ang face-to-face classes, pinaalalahanan din natin ang mga guro na gawin ang mga kaukulang hakbang para maprotektahan natin ang mga bata habang nasa loob ng paaralan,” he advised.
Before the opening of classes last August 22, DOH CALABARZON in collaboration with the Department of Education has launched the “Para sa Henerasyong Healthy, Balik Sigla sa Pagbalik Eskwela” in selected schools in CALABARZON.
The campaign highlights the school-based Dengue Awareness Campaign with 4S strategy, 7 healthy habits, COVID-19 vaccination, and Konsultayo campaigns of the DOH.
DOH Calabarzon has distributed anti-dengue and other vector control supplies to schools and the Local Government Units , highlighting the ceremonial installation of Olyset nets.
The DOH likewise reiterated its reminder to the public to follow the 4S strategy, referring to search and destroy breeding places, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas to prevent an outbreak.
Dengue is transmitted through the bite of a female mosquito (Aedes aegypti). Symptoms include a sudden onset of fever with severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and nose or gum bleeding.