MANILA, Philippines - Over 95,000 cases of dengue fever have been recorded so far this year, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
According to the latest data released by the DOH, there have been 95,142 cases of dengue from January to September 2012, or an increase of 13% compared to the same period last year with 84,244 cases.
The total number of deaths as of September is 549, higher than 486 during the same period last year.
Most of the dengue cases were recorded in Metro Manila with 19,602. Central Luzon and Southern Luzon followed with 14,791 and 14,417 cases, respectively.
DOH spokesperson and National Epidemiology Center Dr. Eric Tayag said dengue cases were down by 41% in August with a recorded 16,859 cases, lower compared to 28,549 cases in 2011.
Tayag said this could be attributed to the peak of the habagat (southwest monsoon) season in August where heavy rains were experienced.
"Baka may epekto yung pagbaha nung habagat, inanod nito yung mga pinagbabahayan ng mga lamok," Tayag said.
Tayag said most dengue cases are recorded during the rainy season from July to September.
Despite the big drop of dengue cases in August, Tayag said people should be vigilant especially this September.
"Ngayong September, dengue month, umuulan-ulan na naman, maging maingat at alerto po tayo. Hanapan at tanggalin ang mga pinamumugaran ng lamok tulad ng mga gulong." said Tayag.
Tayag warned parents to be vigilant, and said monitoring children's condition is most important after the fever died down.
"Kapag ang bata ay nilagnat tapos nawala ang lagnat o bumaba ang lagnat after 2-3 days at nakita nyo na naging matamlay, nanghihina at walang gana, dalhin agad sa ospital dahil baka dengue ito," said Tayag.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
