MANILA – The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) reminded the public of the increased health benefits package for dengue fever amid the rise in cases of the deadly disease.

The cost of hospitalization for severe dengue is now covered up to PHP47,000 from PHP16,000, the state insurer said.

Meanwhile, the coverage for mild dengue cases is now at PHP19,500 from the previous PHP10,000.

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado said the new package rates for dengue are among those enhanced and rationalized last year, in accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to continually improve and sustain better health insurance coverage for members seeking medical treatment.

Earlier, the Department of Health said 28,234 dengue cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to Feb. 1, which marks a 40 percent increase in cases for the same period in 2024.

It noted that nine local government units spread out across Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and the National Capital Region saw a sharp increase in dengue cases.

On Wednesday the Quezon City government said its Epidemiology and Surveillance Division recorded 2,021 cases of dengue, including 11 deaths, from Jan.1 to Feb. 18. This figure translates to a 209 percent spike compared to the same period in 2024.

It declared a dengue outbreak on Feb. 15 after the death of 10 patients, eight of whom were 17 years old and younger.

While PhilHealth covers hospitalization benefits, Mercado advised everyone to practice preventive measures and to seek early consultation if experiencing dengue symptoms. These include high-grade fever, severe headache, pains behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, and skin rash.

"Kung nakararamdam ng sintomas ng dengue o anumang sakit, pumunta na po agad sa inyong napiling (If you have symptoms of dengue or any disease, go immediately to your chosen) Konsulta Package provider," he said.

"Ang Konsulta Package ay agad na magagamit ng lahat ng miyembro at dependents nila. Wala po itong bayad (The Konsulta Package can be immediately used by all members and their dependents. This is free of charge)."

PNP dengue cases

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that at least 27 police officers fell ill to dengue this year, significantly higher than the 12 cases recorded in the same period last year.

In a statement on Wednesday, PNP information chief Col. Randulf Tuaño said that based on the PNP Health Service (HS) data, 28 cops’ dependents were also brought to PNP General Hospital due to dengue.

Tuaño said the PNP would strengthen its campaign, in coordination with every police unit and police stations, to ensure the strict observance of the 4S strategy: search and destroy breeding places, seek early consultation, self-protection, and say yes to fogging and spraying. (with reports from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

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