Dayrit warns of dengue epidemic nationwide

The Department of Health (DOH) warned yesterday that dengue fever might reach epidemic proportions nationwide as cases of the potentially fatal illness have climbed to nearly 8,000.

"An epidemic may occur anytime if mosquito-breeding places are not eliminated," Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit said during an anti-dengue campaign in Valenzuela, Metro Manila.

Dayrit said that from January to July 27, dengue cases nationwide have reached 7,697, including 67 deaths. Metro Manila accounted for majority of the cases, followed by Central Luzon.

Dayrit said the number of dengue cases in the last seven months has yet to reach the 1998 level, but dengue admissions have doubled compared to last year’s.

The Philippines last experienced a nationwide dengue epidemic in 1998 when cases reached a total of 35,648.

Dayrit said the country may face another dengue epidemic this year if the government and the public fail to sustain efforts to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites.

There is now a dengue outbreak in Guadalupe, Cebu City, while clustering of cases were reported in Lahug (Cebu) and in some areas in Caloocan City, Quezon City, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Rizal, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City and Cotabato City.