abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 09/13/2010 10:32 AM | Updated as of 09/13/2010 10:56 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Despite the alarming increase in the number of dengue cases in recent months, the Department of Health (DOH) said there is no need for the government to declare a state of calamity.

DOH National Epidemiology Center Director Dr. Eric Tayag told Umagang Kay Ganda that the dengue situation in the Philippines is still controllable.

“Since there were no other reports of dengue outbreak aside from Quezon City, there is no need to put the country in a state of calamity,” Tayag said.

Tayag added that dengue death rate in the country is expected to remain below 1% of the total number of cases.

DOH has recorded 501 deaths since January 2010.

He said there are now 4 dengue strains in the country but these are still curable, he said.
 
Tayag meanwhile apologized for the closed “express lanes” during the weekend. The DoH has ordered health centers to operate express lanes that will filter dengue patients.

The health centers were closed during the long weekend however, forcing patients to move to over-crowded hospitals.

He reiterated emergency cases should be given proper attention.

The epidemiologist also warned the public of using insecticides and insect repellant lotions. He said these cause skin allergies and respiratory problems when regularly used.

Tayag explained that people tend to rely on insect repellant lotions without consulting a physician.

Aside from monitoring the early signs of dengue, it is best that the public observe and maintain cleanliness, he said.

“Dapat simultaneous yan, hindi lang pagpapatay sa lamok, kung hindi paglilinis sa mga lugar na maaring pag-itlugan ng lamok,” he said.