Chikungunya cases rise 384 percent

MANILA, Philippines — Chikungunya cases in the country have more than tripled in the past 10 months compared to the same period last year, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In its latest disease surveillance report, the DOH said 2,691 cases were reported from Jan. 1 to Oct. 28.

The number is 384 percent higher compared to the 552 reported during the same period in 2022.

The Cordillera Administrative Region recorded the highest increase in cases with 1,109; Ilocos, 448, and Cagayan Valley, 338.

The Cordilleras also recorded the highest increase in cases at 32,567 percent or from three to 1,109 cases; Cagayan Valley, 16,800 percent, from two to 338, and Mimaropa, 3,056 percent, from nine to 284.

Data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau showed zero chikungunya-related deaths in the past two years.

The World Health Organization said the chikungunya virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It causes fever and severe joint pain.

Severe cases and deaths from the illness are rare.