The Philippines Department of Health is reporting a 17 percent increase in dengue fever cases through the first five months of 2023.
From the beginning of the year through June 3, health officials report 58,444 total cases, up from the 50,092 cases reported during the same period in 2022.
The Metro Manila area has seen the most cases to date with more than 7,400, followed closely by Davao and Calabarzon, each recording more than 6,000 cases.
Health officials do however report a decrease in dengue related fatalities during this period–203 to date in 2023 compared to 244 reported last year.
Dengue is a disease caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. The disease can take up to 2 weeks to develop with illness generally lasting less than a week.
Health effects from dengue include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding.
Dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization.
In severe cases, health effects can include hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding), shock (seriously low blood pressure), organ failure, and death.
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