DOH: Dengue cases to surge by July, August

THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday warned the public of an expected surge in dengue cases, with the peak projected in July and August.

DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said the department is sounding the alarm early as so the public will be vigilant against the mosquito-borne disease.

“Year by year, dengue cases really surge by July and August. Therefore, we are already issuing the warning early. We are anticipating dengue cases to rise,” he said in a radio interview.

The number of dengue cases has gone down in recent weeks, with 5,359 cases recorded from April 28 to May 11 and 3,992 cases from May 12 to May 25.

The DOH, in a statement, asked the public not to be complacent.

“The end of El Niño, along with the onset of the rainy season, brings with it more water that can serve as mosquito breeding grounds,” it said.

The DOH renewed its call for the public to destroy potential mosquito breeding grounds, particularly clean stagnant water.

“The solution is simple but needs community effort to do: kill mosquitoes so that the dengue they bring will not kill you,” it said.