SUBIC BAY, Zambales — The Department of Health (DoH) said on Saturday that seven regions in the country registered an increase in the number of dengue cases.

It added that from May 19 to June 1, the number of dengue cases reported was 3,793, lower than the 5,368 logged from May 5–18, which was almost the same as the 5,305 reported from April 21 to May 4.

DoH spokesman Dr. Albert Francis Domingo said the May 19 to June 1 figures should be interpreted with caution.

Domingo added that the decline in the number of infections was starting to plateau, which could mean an increase in the number of cases could follow.

The DoH said the following regions posted a jump in dengue infections over the past three to four weeks: Cordillera, Ilocos, Zamboanga Peninsula, Cagayan Valley, Caraga, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), and Northern Mindanao.

"All hospitals and clinics are reminded to please submit reports as soon as possible to ensure accurate case counts and help guide public health decision-making," Domingo said.

As of June 1, 70,498 dengue cases have been reported in the country, with 197 deaths.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the best way to fight dengue is to destroy mosquito breeding grounds.

"More water means more mosquito breeding grounds. Kill mosquitoes to keep dengue down. Search and destroy stagnant water. Also, don't let these pests bite you," Herbosa said.

Dengue is caused by a virus carried by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites only during the day. It is endemic in all areas of the country.

Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, rashes, pain behind the eyes, vomiting, and swollen lymph glands.

Dr. Kim Patrick Tejano of the DoH-Disease Prevention and Control Bureau says herbal medicine should be treated as a mere supplement in the treatment of dengue.

Tejano added that there were no approved antiviral medicines yet for dengue.

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