Hospital admissions due to dengue up 200%

MANILA, Philippines —  Private hospitals have observed an increase in admissions due to dengue.

At the Laging Handa briefing yesterday, Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. president, said data gathered by PHAPI showed that hospital admissions increased by almost 200 percent compared to last year.

De Grano said storing water in uncovered containers amid the dry season and a looming water crisis are seen to cause the dengue surge.

Up to 27,670 dengue cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to March 18, data from the Department of Health showed.

The cases were 94 percent higher compared to the 14,278 reported during the same period last year.

On the other hand, De Grano said admissions in private hospitals due to COVID are at “very manageable levels.”

He said few patients were confined for COVID despite an increase in cases in Metro Manila, Davao, Caraga, Western Visayas and Central Visayas.

“Those admitted have comorbidities and the elderly. If they turn out positive, they are advised for admission for monitoring,” De Grano said.

An average of 341 daily cases were recorded across the country from April 10 to 16, according to the latest COVID bulletin.

The figures represent an increase of 23 percent compared to the 278 daily cases logged from April 3 to 9.