The province of Benguet recorded the most number of cases with 92 while Mountain Province recorded the least number of cases with just one case. Apayao recorded 36 cases, Kalinga 27 cases, Baguio City 26 cases, Abra 4 cases, and Ifugao 4 cases. 18 of the cases came from non-CAR provinces. They came to the Cordillera region for treatment and recovery but they caught the illness outside of the region.
The total number of cases for the first four weeks of this year is much lower compared to the number of cases from the same period last year. The same period last year recorded 759 cases. This means that there's a 72% decrease in dengue cases region-wide. However, on a province by province basis, Benguet recorded a 13% increase this year. All the other provinces and Baguio City recorded significant decrease in cases.
Quick summary of the dengue virus (Source: MedLine Plus):
Dengue is an infection caused by a virus. You can get it if an infected mosquito bites you. Dengue does not spread from person to person. It is common in warm, wet areas of the world. Outbreaks occur in the rainy season.Symptoms include a high fever, headaches, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, and a rash. In some cases, dengue turns into dengue hemorrhagic fever, which causes bleeding from your nose, gums, or under your skin. It can also become dengue shock syndrome, which causes massive bleeding and shock. These forms of dengue are life-threatening.
There is no specific treatment. Most people with dengue recover within 2 weeks. Until then, drinking lots of fluids, resting and taking non-aspirin fever-reducing medicines might help. People with the more severe forms of dengue usually need to go to the hospital and get fluids.
To lower your risk when traveling to areas where dengue is found:
1. Wear insect repellent with DEET
2. Wear clothes that cover your arms, legs and feet
3. Close unscreened doors and windows
