Dengue fever in Philippines increases compared to last year

As of early August, there were more than 84,000 suspected dengue cases reported to health authorities. This is an increase of more than 15 percent compared to the same period last year. There have been 372 deaths. The most affected regions include Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Soccsksargen, Northern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas and Central Luzon.

Advice

The absence of reports from other areas does not mean that there is no dengue fever transmission there. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities.

All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with dengue fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. There may be many more cases in the community than the reports indicate.