Dengue cases increase after 3 storms hit Luzon

MANILA, Philippines, August 19 ------ The number of dengue cases in the country has increased after three tropical storms devastated several parts of Luzon in July. From July 13 to 26, health officials reported 15,091 cases of the mosquito-borne disease. The figure is higher by seven percent compared to the 14,131 cases recorded from June 29 to July 12.

The Department of Health (DOH) said it has been monitoring the cases, which are expected to increase further due to the rainy season. Health officials reminded the public to keep conducting cleanup activities in schools and communities, particularly clearing pots, bottles and gutters of stagnant water. “Taob or flip, taktak or shake, tuyo or dry up and takip or cover all containers that may become breeding sites of mosquitos,” the DOH said.

Symptoms of the disease include mild fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite and sense of taste, measles-like rashes in the chest and upper limbs, nausea and vomiting. People with symptoms of dengue have been advised to consult a doctor. Dengue fast lanes have been established in hospitals to quickly attend to patients, the DOH said.

Source: philstar.com