NATION

DOH: 8 more areas at risk as dengue cases surge

Pamela Pascual

The Department of Health (DOH) said Monday that eight additional local government units in Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila are at risk of experiencing a similar rise in dengue cases due to the ongoing outbreak.

As of 1 February, the health department reported 28,384 dengue cases, reflecting a 40 percent increase from the same period last year. For example, if there were 100 cases last year, there would be 40 additional cases this year, bringing the total to 140.

In Quezon City, which declared a dengue outbreak on Saturday, 1,769 dengue cases had been recorded as of 14 February. Nearly half of those affected are children aged 1 to 10, with about one-third between the ages of 11 and 20.

The city has also reported 10 dengue-related deaths this year, including eight minors, prompting the outbreak declaration.