THE number of dengue cases in the country since January 2022 is already more than double than during the same period in 2021, a Department of Health (DOH) data showed.The DOH said, as of August 27, a total of 145,341 dengue cases were reported in the country, 105-percent higher than the 52,697 cases from January to August 2021.Most of the 16,996 newly detected cases were in the National Capital Region (NCR), Calabarzon and Cagayan Valley.The DOH said 461 dengue patients died since January 1, far from the 181 dengue deaths during the same period in 2021.DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier said they are continuously coordinating with local government units, especially barangays and schools, for the conduct of anti-dengue programs amid the spike in cases.She said they are also looking into vaccines that may prevent the fatal effects of dengue.The DOH also reminded the public to observe the 4S strategy, which is to search and destroy breeding places, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas. (SunStar Philippines)