DOH exec warns of 'far worse' dengue outbreak

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) warned yesterday that the country “may be witnessing a far worse outbreak of dengue” this year if the public will not act strongly to eliminate mosquitoes.

In a speech during a dengue summit, DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Gerry Bayugo said that from January to February alone, “we have seen an early dramatic peak in the number of cases and there are no signs of letting up of this intensifying epidemic.”

Bayugo noted that so far, a total of 13,281 dengue cases have already been admitted in the DOH’s “sentinel hospitals” across the country. Almost 28 percent of these cases came from Metro Manila.

“Dengue needs urgent action and we need it now. In the absence of the usual cures and vaccines, we have to rely on the basics of early prevention and community action,” he said.

The DOH has urged local government units and community leaders to urge their constituents to eliminate possible breeding sites of mosquitoes.

Dengue is caused by female Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes that bite during daytime. They are characterized by white stripes on their legs.

Last year, Bayugo said the Philippines experienced the worst outbreak of dengue in 10 years with more than 135,000 cases recorded. This figure is higher that those recorded in 1998 “when other countries in the Southeast Asian region also reported major dengue outbreaks.”

But Bayugo maintained that in 2010, the dengue problem was not confined to the Philippines but in other countries as well like Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia and Myanmar.

“The World Health Organization has already warned the Philippines and other member-countries of the Western Pacific Region that we may be heading for another crisis situation for dengue unless urgent measures are taken and stronger political commitment is effectively put in place in affected communities,” he said.

“The challenge of dengue… remains daunting and we need the help of all local authorities to better fight the menace. Key interventions against dengue — primary preventive action — must stem from the affected and at risk communities,” he added.