CARCAR CITY- The rapid increase of dengue cases in Visayas has alarmed the Department of Health (DOH), as more number of seriously ill patients have been admitted to provincial hospitals.

     In a press conference, DOH Undersecretary, Eric Domingo admitted that the recent data from January to March showed that it is 68% higher compared to the previous year.

     The DOH- Epidemiology Bureau was able to document a total of 12, 880 cases in barely a week from July 21 to 27 which adds up to the total number of 167,606 patients since January 1.

     “This is 98% higher than the cases during the same period in 2018”, Mr Domingo said.

     The DOH is working closely with the Department of Interior and Local Government to ensure that the 4 o’clock habit is implemented in all barangays.

     The most affected areas are Western Visayas (Region 6) which had 13,164 reported dengue cases followed by CALABARZON (Region IV-A) with 11, 474 cases.

     The peak of the dengue starts usually on rainy seasons like August and this will go on up to December.