MANILA -- The Department of Health reported yesterday a 3.89 percent increase in the number of dengue cases nationwide from January 1 to June 2 this year, or a total of 32,193 cases compared to 30,989 during the same period last year.

The latest DOH Disease Surveillance on Dengue showed that most of the reported dengue cases were from the National Capital Region, with 7,670 or 23.8 percent; Region 3, 5,552 or 17.2 percent, and Region 4-A, 4,508 or 14 percent.

In NCR, the DOH report said at least six of the 17 local government units have reported an increase in dengue cases. These are Manila with 1,420 dengue cases as compared to 938 in 2011 (51.39 percent); Pateros, 78 compared to 58, (34.48 percent); Makati, 194 vs 149, (30.20 percent); Pasay, 251 vs 215, (16.74 percent); Paranaque, 519 vs 447, (16.11 percent); and Quezon City, 2,111 vs 2,109, (0.09 percent).

With this report, Dr. Irma Asuncion, DOH-National Center for Disease Prevention director, warned the public to be wary in patronizing anti-mosquito repellent that is out in the market claiming as protection against dengue.

Asuncion said that the public should make sure that the anti-mosquito repellent they applied is legitimate or already been known effective as compared to new products claiming as protection from dengue.

"Our point is that if it is not effective, then it will give the family false sense of security that they are safe or protected from getting dengue and will not bother to have themselves check up right away, especially if they have fever," she said.

Asuncion also encouraged the public not to hesitate to bring immediately any sick family member for medical consultation or those having fever within two days to check whether it is dengue or not.

The health official cited the need for close coordination at the barangay level or within the community in the campaign against dengue.

She added that it is also important to report right away any suspected dengue case, especially now that it is dengue season. Dengue usually peaks during the rainy season.

The DOH anti-dengue campaign is anchored on 4S which means: Search and destroy to eliminate all the possible breeding sites of the mosquito that carries the dengue virus; Self protection or measures to protect people from mosquito bites; Seek early treatment; and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.* PNA

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