TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 31 -- The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas has reported higher dengue fever cases in the first three weeks of 2023 and warned that frequent heavy rains in the region will trigger more cases in succeeding weeks.

During the first three weeks of the year, the region has already recorded 210 dengue cases, which is 19 percent higher than the 176 cases during the same period in 2022.

Among the cases, 190 or about 90 percent of patients suffered severe cases and were hospitalized, according to DOH.

With the unceasing torrential rains that affect the Eastern Visayas region caused by the low-pressure area, northeast monsoon, and shear line during the first three weeks of 2023, this trend is expected to continue,...