THE Department of Health – Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) has reported that dengue and leptospirosis cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) continue to rise this year and may increase further in the coming weeks, following the recent flooding caused by recent typhoons.
In a press conference, Mary Grace Labayen from the DOH-MMCHD Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit stated that Metro Manila has reached the alert threshold for dengue in the region.
Four local government units, including Marikina, Quezon City, Manila, and Pateros, have reached the epidemic level.
Labayen explained that reaching the alert threshold means that the cases are higher than the normal levels.
A total of 24,232 dengue cases were recorded in NCR from January 1 to October 26, 2024—around 34% higher than the 18,020 cases reported in the same period last year.
Sixty-six individuals in NCR have also died from dengue so far in 2024.
Most dengue cases in the region fall within the 5 to 9-year-old age group, with the majority being male.
Quezon City recorded the highest number of dengue cases, with 6,208. Meanwhile, Pateros had the highest attack rate.
As for leptospirosis, Labayen noted that Metro Manila remains below the alert threshold; however, five local government units have reached the epidemic level: Caloocan, Quezon City, Navotas, Pasay, and Taguig.
A total of 2,734 leptospirosis cases have been reported in NCR this year—a 90% increase from last year’s 1,432 cases.
Additionally, 216 people have died from the disease in the region, bringing the case fatality rate to 7.90%.
Labayen stated that with the heavy rains and flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon, the number of dengue and leptospirosis cases in NCR is expected to rise in the coming weeks.