The Department of Health (DOH) reported that dengue infections in the country reached 48,109 from January 1 to May 13, 2023.
According to the DOH, the latest figure is 38% higher compared to 34,963 infections recorded in the same period last year.
The health department further said that based on its surveillance report, most dengue cases were reported from Metro Manila (6,395), Calabarzon (5,135), Davao Region (4,842), Central Luzon (4,722), and Northern Mindanao (4,278).
So far, some 176 dengue-related deaths or a 0.37% case fatality rate was reported, the DOH said. The DOH said for the same period in 2022, there were 203 deaths due to the mosquito-borne disease or a CFR of 0.58 percent.
The health also reminded the public to follow dengue protection advisories.
The dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito, according to the World Health Organization.
While most dengue cases are asymptomatic or show mild symptoms, it can manifest as a severe, flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death, the WHO said.
Symptoms usually last for 2–7 days, after an incubation period of 4–10 days after the bite from an infected mosquito, it added.
State weather bureau PAGASA declared the onset of the rainy season last week, Dengue is among the top diseases prevalent during the wet season in the Philippines.