Philippines reports more than 400% increase in chikungunya
Health experts warn of infectious diseases as the weather shifts to rainy season
The Philippines Department of Health (DOH) reports a significant increase in chikungunya infections nationwide.
According to the latest surveillance data, 383 chikungunya cases were recorded from the beginning of the year through March 16, compared to 71 last year. This is an increase of 439 percent.
Regions reporting the most cases include Mimaropa, which logged the highest number of cases at 105 followed by Northern Mindanao with 91; Zamboanga peninsula, 41; Caraga, 38, and Cagayan Valley, 35.
No deaths due to the mosquito-borne virus have been recorded.
DOH has also reported a total of 59,267 dengue cases with 164 deaths have been recorded from Jan. 1 to May 4 this year.
On Thursday, Philippine College of Physicians president Rontgene Solante warned Filipinos against rainy season infections like dengue and leptospirosis, as the weather shifts from summer to rainy season.
Solante, an infectious disease expert, said dengue cases usually rise in highly urbanized areas like Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Cebu.
“These are the hotspots we monitor every now and then, even with summer then shift immediately to rainy season. The shifting of weather, that is when mosquitoes are disturbed, they come out and reproduce quickly and people are more at risk for dengue,” he said.
Solante also warned everyone against Chikungunya and Zika infection which is caused by the same mosquito spreading Dengue.