In 2015, the Philippines reported more than 200,000 dengue fever cases and according to data from the archipelago, similar numbers may be seen in the final tally for 2016.
Through Nov. 5, there were 176,411 suspected cases of dengue reported in 2016, including 422 deaths. This is 0.8% lower than that reported during the same period in 2015 (n=177,767).
The good news is the numbers have dropped dramatically in recent weeks and are well below alert and epidemic thresholds.
The Philippines recorded nearly 600 dengue related deaths in 2015.
The Philippines has already vaccinated hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren with the dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia since it’s roll-out in April.
Related: Ayoko sa Lamok: Filipino youth’s battle against dengue fever
Dengue infects nearly 400 million people across more than 120 countries each year. Most survive with few or no symptoms, but more than two million annually develop what can be a dangerous dengue hemorrhagic fever, which kills more than 25,000 people each year.
Dengue can cause a high fever, severe headaches, severe pain behind the eyes, rash and joint, muscle or bone pain. Dengue hemorrhagic fever occurs when blood leaks from blood vessels into other parts of the body, which can lead to failure of the circulatory system, shock and possibly death, without prompt treatment.
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