Disclose rising dengue cases, LGU told

MANILA, Philippines — Amid surging dengue cases nationwide, local government units (LGUs) should disclose if they are facing rising cases of the mosquito-borne disease in their respective areas, a health expert said yesterday.

“This should entail a public announcement as it is not ‘business as usual’ with dengue outbreak,” infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante said.

“A highly preventable disease, yet the Philippines is one of the top countries with high case fatality rates,” he noted.

Aside from Quezon City, eight more areas across Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon may soon declare a dengue outbreak, the Department of Health earlier warned.

The Food and Drug Administration should speed up the approval of Qdenga, a new dengue vaccine developed by Takeda Pharmaceutical.

“They should fast-track approval of the new dengue vaccine (Qdenga) so we can include vaccination as part of the country’s dengue control and prevention (program),” Solante said.

“We are the only country in the ASEAN region, together with Singapore, wherein the vaccine has not been approved yet,” he noted.

Vaccine approval needs a thorough study, Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.

Severe dengue cases have not increased, he said.

“But DOH hospitals are ready all the same and what is more important is to focus on the LGU response,” Domingo said.

PhilHealth coverage

Meanwhile, Filipinos should avail themselves of the benefit package for dengue following reports of surging cases, according to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

From a coverage rate of P16,000, hospitalization costs for severe dengue are now covered up to P47,000 — a 193-percent increase, PhilHealth noted.

Coverage for mild dengue cases is now at P19,000, from P10,000.

“If you are experiencing dengue symptoms of dengue or other illnesses, immediately proceed to the Konsulta Package Provider of your choice,” said PhilHealth president and CEO Edwin Mercado.