MANILA, Philippines: The Department of Health (DoH) on Thursday said the dengue cases nationwide dropped by 24.40 percent in the first two weeks of January 2024 from the last two weeks of December the previous year.

This is from 7,274 of December 17-31 to 5,572 of January 1-13, the DoH said.

Only 14 deaths were reported from January 1-13 or a fatality rate of 0.25 percent of the 5,572 recorded for the month, the DoH said.

"Usually, dengue cases increase during the rainy season. However, with El Niño, families and establishments are expected to store water," the DoH said.

Water containers must always be covered and regularly cleaned to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs.

The DoH advised the public to follow the five S strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; use self protection measures; seek early consultation; say yes to fogging where needed; and start and sustain hydration.