DOH declares national dengue epidemic

The Health Department on Tuesday declared a “national dengue epidemic” following the rapid spike in dengue cases in several regions of the country.

At least 146,000 cases, including 622 deaths, have been recorded from January to July 20, according to the department’s latest data. The number is 98 percent higher than the same period last year.

Health officials said the epidemic was declared in order for authorities to identify the areas where localized response would be needed.

The spike in dengue cases and deaths earlier prompted the Health Department to declare a “national dengue alert” for the first time in July.

This is a developing story.

Source: https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/8/6/DOH-national-dengue-epidemic.html