A PHILIPPINE senator has filed a resolution that seeks a probe into the “alarming” rise of reported dengue cases this year to prevent more deaths caused by the mosquito-borne disease.
The Department of Health (DoH) last week reported a 39% increase in dengue cases nationwide, with a total of 150,354 recorded from the start of the year to Aug. 10. There were 107,953 cases posted in the same period last year.
The agency said 396 people have so far died from the disease this year, attributing the rise in cases to the rainy season. This is lower than the 421 deaths recorded during the same period last year.
“It is necessary for the DoH to inform the public of the overall state of dengue outbreak in the country in order to fully address the situation and protect the health and lives of the people,” Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay-Angeles said in Senate Resolution No. 1166, filed on Aug. 21.
In a news briefing on Aug. 19, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said his agency is set to declare a dengue outbreak after cases reached outbreak levels.
An uptick in cases has been recorded in all regions, except SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Bicol Region in the recent 3-4 weeks counting back from Aug. 10. Meanwhile, provinces such as Iloilo, Capiz, and Ormoc City have already declared their own outbreaks due to a significant rise in cases.
A 24% increase to 23,290 cases was first observed by the department between July 14 to July 27, compared to 18,784 cases from June 30 to July 13. While there were only 13,369 cases reported from July 28 to Aug. 10, the department noted this may be due to late consultations and reports.
The Philippine Health department last declared a national dengue epidemic in 2019.
As of April 30, there have been over 7.6 million cases of Dengue and 3,000 deaths reported globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease is the most common mosquito-borne disease worldwide, typically found in tropical and sub-tropical climates.
Common symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, rashes, and muscle pain, based on the WHO’s website.
“The ongoing dengue outbreak warrants an inquiry in aid of legislation not actively prevent further loss of lives,” Ms. Binay-Angeles said in the resolution. — John Victor D. Ordoñez
