DOH launches dengue reporting system

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday launched a reporting system for dengue that will help predict possible outbreaks in certain areas.

DOH director for Metro Manila Dr. Eduardo Janairo said they expect the Direct Reporting and Response System for Dengue (DRRS) to “improve the efficiency of disease surveillance for immediate action and control.”

“The objective of the DRRS is to provide a mechanism that will ensure that every single dengue case from the community is reported by all participating agencies and health facilities,” he said.

There are four components of DRRS – the Direct Reporting and Response System, Ovi-Larvi Trap Monitoring, Pre and Post Brigada Eskwela and Zero Dengue Barangay.

Janairo said there are five key players involved in the project – hospitals and clinics (both public and private), barangay leaders and community, health centers, city and municipal health offices and DOH regional office in Metro Manila.

“It will also serve as an Early Warning System (EWS) for a timely and effective public health action. With the establishment of the DRRS we can prevent the sudden increase of dengue cases and provide immediate treatment for those that will be affected by the disease,” he said.

Under the project, hospitals and clinics, upon the admission of a dengue patient, will have to immediately notify the community where the case comes from.

Janairo said an incentive of P50,000 to P200,000 cash grant will be given to barangays with zero dengue case within a 12-month period and for having an organized system in the sustainability and implementation of the anti-dengue program.

“With this system in place, we hope to avert possible clustering of cases and dengue outbreaks in the community,” he said.

Records of the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit showed that there were 21,695 dengue patients in Metro Manila from Jan. 1 to Oct. 15, 2011, with 123 deaths.

During the same period last year, there were only 18,349 cases with 117 deaths, indicating an increase of 18.2 percent.