MANILA, Philippines—Amid the rising dengue cases in several regions in the country, Senator Nancy Binay has called on local government units (LGUs) to be more active in containing impending outbreaks in their respective areas.
In a statement Thursday, Binay said LGUs should help in mapping areas where dengue cases have been spotted but are still unreported, to prevent its escalation to epidemic proportions
“They may be tapped to help in mobilizing barangays should there be a need to come up with an epidemic preparedness and response plan,” Binay said.
“The LGUs can help in providing information of unexpected outbreaks in barangays, municipalities where dengue cases were under-reported or never previously reported,” she added.
The senator also called on the mobilization of local authorities, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reserve force, and the Department of Public Works and Highways to help in cleanup drives, especially in school grounds.
“Spikes in dengue cases can also be attributed to poor sanitation and improper waste management. Pagtuunan din po natin ng pansin ang mga drainage systems; water storage, catchments at impounding facilities; at flood-prone areas,” she said.
The Department of Health (DOH) has declared a dengue outbreak in four of the five provinces of Western Visayas: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo.
On Monday, the DOH raised a national dengue alert.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that from January 1 to June 29, 2019, 106,630 dengue cases have been reported nationwide, an 85 percent increase from the 57,564 cases reported over the same period last year.
Western Visayas had the most number of reported dengue cases so far this year with 13,164, followed by Calabarzon (11,474 cases), Central Visayas (9,199 cases), Soccsksargen (9,107 cases) and Northern Mindanao (8,739 cases).
There is no known cure for dengue, which is caused by a virus spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The disease can be fatal. /muf
READ: DOH declares national dengue alert