Parañaque under state of calamity due to dengue

MANILA, Philippines — The Parañaque City government yesterday declared a state of calamity amid the surge of dengue cases in the city.

The local government approved the declaration after the city council passed a resolution.  

Data from the city health department showed that 1,702 dengue cases with four deaths were recorded in Parañaque from January to Sept. 14.

The number was higher compared to the 1,174 cases recorded during the same period last year, or an increase of 45 percent that prompted the city government to declare a dengue outbreak.

Parañaque ranked fourth among the cities with the highest number of dengue cases in the National Capital Region.

Last month, the Department of Health (DOH) declared a national dengue epidemic due to spikes in cases in different regions.

The DOH recorded 622 deaths and 146,000 dengue cases from the start of the year until July 20.

Nick Ferrer of the city public information office said the declaration of a state of calamity would allow barangay officials to release funds to boost the campaign against dengue.

He said this is the first time that Parañaque had been placed under a state of calamity due to dengue.

Dengue fever is preventable and can be controlled if detected early. Its symptoms include severe headache, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and skin rashes.