Philippines dengue fever count nears 120,000
Health authorities in the Philippines have reported today that the number of dengue fever cases across the archipelago is closing in on the 120,000 mark, according to a DOH press release today.
Photo/CDC-James Gathany
According to the report, the Department of Health says there has been 117,658 dengue cases during the first 36 weeks of 2013.
Despite the high number, health officials say this total is five percent less than the total during the same period in 2012.
This news comes a few weeks after Assistant Sec. Paulyn Jean Ubial said that a dengue vaccine will be available in the country next year during a press conference.
“We will be coming out with our recommendation for the dengue vaccine,” she said.
Dengue fever is an infectious disease carried by mosquitoes and caused by any of four related dengue viruses. This disease was once called called “break-bone fever” because it sometimes causes severe joint and muscle pain that feels like bones are breaking.
Dengue fever of multiple types is found in most countries of the tropics and subtropics particularly during and after rainy season.
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