DOH: Mobilize LGU dengue brigades

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) stressed the need to mobilize dengue brigades in towns and cities nationwide as dengue cases continue to increase.

“As early as last week of May, we’ve flagged our CHDs (Center for Health Development) and regional offices to mobilize in their local governments these dengue brigades because we know that the rainy season is here and there is a need to check the breeding sites of mosquitoes,” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

These dengue brigades will implement the 4 o’clock habit to destroy breeding sites of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Vergeire said the DOH has downloaded funds to its regional offices to provide support to hospitals and local government units. She said dengue fast lanes in hospitals should also be opened.

The DOH had earlier said the increase in dengue cases is a cause for alarm because it affects the young population and there have been hospital admissions.

Vergeire said 51,622 dengue cases were recorded in the country from January to June compared to 32,610 during the same period last year.

Central Luzon, Central Visayas and Zamboanga logged the highest number of cases.

Dengue cases are also rising in the Cordilleras, Western Visayas, Mimaropa, Metro Manila and Cagayan Valley.

In Negros Occidental, provincial health officer Ernell Tumimbang said the province has not reached the epidemic threshold despite an increase in dengue cases.

”We are still on the alert level threshold,” he said.

Negros Occidental recorded 1,800 dengue cases from January to July 2, an increase of 725.69 percent, according to the provincial health office’s surveillance report.