MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday, August 16, that it has recorded a total of 84,085 suspected dengue cases in the country from January 1 to August 6, 2016. 

This is 15.8% higher compared to the same period in 2015 (72,627), and out of this number, 372 people died.

Dengue is a disease common in tropical and sub-tropical countries in the world. It is transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito, according to the World Health Organization.

The Philippines is one of 4 countries in the Western Pacific which reported the highest dengue incidence in recent years.

According to the health department, most of the dengue cases in the country were from Calabarzon (11.2%), Central Visayas (9.5%), Northern Mindanao (9.3%), Western Visayas and Soccsksargen (8.9%), and Central Luzon (8.5%)

*Source: DOH Epidemiology Bureau

There were 585 laboratory-confirmed dengue cases in the country.

Dengue fever is potentially fatal and mainly affects children. Among the hundreds who died, for instance, the age group with the highest case fatality rate is composed of children who are less than one year old.

Central Visayas has so far the highest number of deaths this year, with 65 recorded deaths as of August 6. 

*Source: DOH Epidemiology Bureau

The DOH has already identified around 80 barangays (villages) in the country as dengue clusters or “hot zones.”

These are areas that reported 3 or more dengue cases for the past 4 straight weeks.

Health Spokesperson Eric Tayag earlier said if the cases in a cluster continue to rise, it could indicate a possible dengue outbreak in that barangay, especially if deaths were reported in the area. – Rappler.com