Nationwide dengue cases up by 68% z

MANILA, Philippines —  The number of dengue cases in the country continued to increase, with 208,965 infections reported so far this year, according to the Department of Health.

The DOH said the figure, recorded from January to Sept. 6, is 68 percent higher than the 124,157 infections reported in the same period last year.

“Cases are on an uptrend, showing a 25-percent increase from Aug. 4 to 17, with 36,335 from 29,021 cases reported from July 21 to Aug. 3,” the DOH said in a statement.

All regions except Mimaropa, Bicol, Zamboanga peninsula and Bangsamoro showed an increase in dengue cases from Aug. 4 to 17.

“We are witnessing a continued and seasonal rise in dengue cases. It is crucial that we take immediate and concerted action to address this situation brought about by the rainy season,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. has increased the PhilHealth coverage  for severe dengue cases from P16,000 to P47,000.

PhilHealth spokesperson Israel Pargas yesterday said the effectivity of the increased coverage would depend on the policy to be issued by the state-run health insurer.

The higher coverage was part of the 30 percent increase on all benefit packages implemented since February.