DOH: Dengue cases rise; more NCR patients in QC

The number of dengue cases in the country continues to rise with the most Metro Manila patients recorded in Quezon City, the Department of Health (DOH) said on GMA News’ “24 Oras" newscast Thursday. In the National Capital Region (NCR), most dengue cases came from Quezon City at 2,574 from January 1 to July 23 this year, according to the DOH. Only 956 cases of dengue were recorded in Quezon City in the same period in 2010, the agency added. This indicates a 269.25-percent rise in dengue cases in Quezon City.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Dengue express lane “Nirerekomenda na namin sa Quezon City na ang mga ospital nila, maglagay na sila ng dengue express lane," said National Epidemiology Center chief Dr. Eric Tayag in an interview with “24 Oras." The DOH said that aside from Fairview and Payatas in Quezon City, other dengue hotspots in the Philippines include Mabini in Pangasinan, La Trinidad in Benguet, and Sto. Domingo in Ilocos Sur. Ilocos Sur is now under a state of calamity due to the onslaught of dengue cases, the newscast said. Lower than 2010 figures The DOH said that 38,876 cases were recorded in the entire Philippines from January 1 to July 23, 2011. In the same 2010 period, there were 25.85 percent or 52,428 more dengue cases recorded. This year, most dengue cases came from NCR (9,229) followed by Central Luzon (6,365), southern Luzon (5,649), and Ilocos (3,432). However, Tayag noted, the number of dengue cases will likely rise before the end of August or early September. — With Paterno Esmaquel II/VS, GMA News