Nancy alarmed by rising number of dengue cases, outbreaks; seeks probe

Senator Nancy Binay urged her fellow senators to launch an inquiry into the rising number of reported dengue cases and outbreaks in country.

The Department of Health (DOH) said that 78,808 dengue cases were reported in seven regions in the country from January 1 to September 5, a 16.5 percent rise from the same period last year.

"Importante po ang kalusugan ng ating mamamayan at ito dapat ang priority ng ating gobyerno. We need to find out how we can plug the holes and prevent from happening similar cases in the future," Binay said.

"I am urging my fellow senators to seek an investigation into this issue," she added.

Binay said she filed Senate Resolution No. 1608 which directs the proper Senate committees to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation regarding the alarming increase of reported dengue cases in the country, with the end in view of proposing policy for continuous improvement in the prevention of the disease.

Cagayan Valley registered the highest increase with 5,618 cases this year, followed by the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) with 2,508 cases.

Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, the Ilocos Region and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao also recorded increases in dengue cases.

The provinces of Bulacan and Cavite have already declared a state of calamities in their respective areas due to the rising number of dengue patients and deaths brought about by the disease.

Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is found in tropical countries.

It causes flu-like symptoms lasting for two to seven days, after an incubation period of four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

A person suffering from dengue has high fever (40°C); headaches; joint, bone or muscle pains; pain behind eyes; nausea or vomiting; swollen glands; and rashes.

The WHO is advising that special attention be given when the person starts to exhibit the following warming signs which could lead to severe dengue: abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, rapid breathing and fatigue/restlessness.

"Lahat ng sektor apektado, lalo na ang mga nanay, kung may malubhang sakit ang kanilang mga pamilya," Binay said. "It is important 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," she added.

"Sana po ay maagap ang ating mga public health officials, lalo na ngayong may El Nino na mataas ang humidity at temperature na pabor sa survival ng mga lamok," Binay said.