DOH: Dengue cases drop 16% amid 'strong' El Niño

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 25) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said it has recorded a drop in the number of dengue cases from December to early January amid a “strong” El Niño that is currently affecting the country.

«The DOH observed a 16% decrease nationwide in dengue cases from Dec. 3-16 (8,629 cases) to Dec. 17 to 31 (7,274 cases). This has gone down further to 5,572 cases recorded from Jan. 1 to 13, 2024,» it said in a statement.

Case fatality rate was 0.25% with 14 deaths logged from Jan. 1 to 13.

While there was a nationwide decline, some regions still reported an increase in their dengue cases.

Caraga showed an increase in cases from Dec. 17 to 31 versus Dec. 3 to 16 with 635 cases in the recent 4 weeks.

The number of dengue patients also increased in Soccsksargen from Jan. 1 to 13 with 846 cases in the recent 4 weeks.

The DOH reminded the public of the 5S strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding site, use self-protection measures, seek early consultation, say yes to fogging where needed, and start and sustain hydration.

It also reminded families and establishments to properly store water especially during El Niño.

«Water containers must always be covered and regularly cleaned to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs,» the DOH noted.

The department has warned the public of the emergence of various illnesses during the peak of the strong El Niño phenomenon from February to April.