A recent surge in dengue cases in several regions has prompted Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) to issue a national alert for the first time. About an 85% increase in nationwide cases were reported in the first six months of 2019 – 106,630 cases compared to 57,564 cases over the same period last year.

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said the alert was to raise awareness among the public, especially in communities with rampant dengue cases. Duque pointed out five regions that have exceeded the epidemic threshold: Western Visayas, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Soccsksargen and Northern Mindanao, but clarified there is no national epidemic.

Western Visayas had the most number of reported dengue cases so far with 13,164 this year alone, followed by Calabarzon (11,474 cases), Central Visayas (9,199 cases), Soccsksargen (9,107 cases) and Northern Mindanao (8,739 cases).

Other regions that have exceeded the alert threshold will be closely monitored by the authorities.

Meanwhile, Duque adds that early, effective surveillance can help in reducing cases and deaths in likely areas – “Dengue is a viral disease with no known vaccine or specific antivirals.”