NewsDesk @bactiman63

Earlier this week we reported that dengue fever cases in the Philippines are up 118% in 2022 compared to the same period in 2021– 92,343 dengue cases from January 1 to July 23 this year compared to 42,294 cases during the same period in 2021.

However, dengue isn’t the only infectious disease reported in increased numbers on the archipelago this year.

Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue (Aedes spp.), has seen 389% increase in 2022. Through July 23, the Philippines has recorded 318 cases, up from 65 cases during the same period in 2021.

Calabarzon has reported the biggest increase, more than 10,000% from one case in 2021 to 102 cases this year.

The Western Visayas saw a 4900% increase year-over-year going from one case in 2021 to 50 cases in 2022 to date.

One death was reported nationally in Calabarzon.

The most common symptom of chikungunya is an abrupt onset of fever, often accompanied by joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Severe joint pain usually lasts a few days but can persist for months or even years. Serious complications are uncommon, but atypical severe cases can cause long-term symptoms and even death, especially in older people.

Cholera cases are also up in the Philippines this year, an increase of 231% (757 cases through July 23, 2021 vs. 2,508 cases in 2022).

In addition, the death tally from cholera has increased from three last year to 20 this year to date.

The Eastern Visayas has reported the most cases (1573) and six deaths. Davao has recorded 435 cholera cases and 8 deaths in 2022 so far.

The vaccine preventable disease, measles is also up in 2022. The Department of Health has recorded 304 cases year to date in 2022, up 138% from the 128 cases reported during the same period in 2021.

Regions reporting the biggest measles increases include the Central Visayas (775%) and the MIMAROPA region (600%).

Other diseases where increases are reported include diphtheria (29%), neonatal tetanus (173%), rotavirus (173%) and typhoid (103%).

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