Global dengue cases double in 2024

Dengue cases worldwide have surged to over 14 million in 2024—double the previous year’s figures—with Asia shouldering 70 percent of the global burden, according to the Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA) Group.

At a press conference during the 8th Asia Dengue Summit held in Quezon City, ADVA steering committee member Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding said the Philippines is among the Asian countries experiencing a growing number of cases.

“Dengue is preventable and with scientific innovation, the right strategies and strong community partnerships, achieving zero dengue deaths is achievable. We want to protect lives, eliminate preventable deaths and put a stop to this global threat,” Capeding said, adding that the country could benefit by learning from its regional neighbors with successful dengue programs.

Summit organizing committee co-chair Dr. Fatima Gimenez emphasized that tackling dengue cannot be the government’s responsibility alone. 

“Every sector has a part to play. The health workers, advocates, the public and media – we are all in this together. We can turn the tide on dengue,” she said, noting that effective vaccination efforts require collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Dr. Lulu Bravo, ADVA international adviser and executive director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, called vaccination the most cost-effective defense against dengue and other infectious diseases.

“We (Philippines) have had dengue for more than 70 years… It is so ironic that in the Eastern Asia where dengue has started long before, we are still lagging behind in terms to vaccination,” Bravo said, as she urged approval of second-generation dengue vaccines. 

She shared that while clinical trials began eight years ago, the vaccine’s application has been with the Food and Drug Administration for the past two years.

ADVA international adviser Dr. Tikki Pang said vaccine eligibility should be based on local conditions. “In a country like Philippines and Malaysia, in Malaysia where I come from, everybody is at risk, and in terms of eligibility, it depends on which age group is particularly affected or vulnerable. In the Philippines it’s still the pediatric and young age group,” he said.

Latest data from the Department of Health (DOH) show 119,774 dengue cases were recorded nationwide from January 1 to May 31, 2024. 

While a downward trend was observed over a 10-week period—highlighted by a 12-percent drop from May 4 to 17—the agency warned that cases could rise again with the onset of the rainy season.

Dengue is transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rashes, nausea, vomiting, and pain behind the eyes. 

The DOH urges individuals with dengue-like symptoms to seek prompt medical attention to prevent complications and ensure timely treatment.