By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Philippines health officials have reported 25,502 dengue fever cases through Feb. 8, including 78 deaths during the first six weeks of the year.

Aedes aegypti/CDC

This is 38 percent lower as compared to the 40,979 cases of the same period in 2019. In 2019, the Philippines reported in excess of 400,000 cases and more than 1,500 deaths.

While the numbers are down nationally, the Department of Health (DOH) 7 in Cebu are concerned about the rising cases of dengue fever in Central Visayas during the first two months of 2020.

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Compared to the same period in 2019, DOH 7 saw a close to two percent increase in dengue incidents from January to February this year with 5,933 people infected with the virus.

Cebu City (692), Lapu-Lapu City (568) and Mandaue City (286) have reported the most cases in the region. 22 total deaths have been reported.