Members of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ donate blood during the launch of the nationwide bloodletting activity dubbed 'Give Blood Give Love Save Lives' in partnership with Philippine Red Cross at the PRC headquarters in Mandaluyong City in July 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippine Red Cross, on Wednesday, assured the public there is enough supply of blood particularly platelets for dengue patients across the archipelago should they need it.

The announcement comes at the onset of a surge in dengue cases recorded in some parts of the country. PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gordon, in a press conference, said the public need not worry of a lack in supply.

“Wag mag-atubili. Kung kailangan ng dugo, may dugo ang Red Cross sa apat na sulok ng Pilipinas. Tumawag 1158 kung kailangan ng dugo,” he said.

(Don’t think twice. If you need blood, Red Cross has enough supply throughout the country. All you need to do is call 1158 if you need it.)

Data from the PRC shows that from January to mid-February, it has dispensed over one thousand units of blood for dengue patients, more than double the amount it dispensed during the same period last year.

The PRC said it is also ready to help curb the rise in infections through B.E.A.T — break breeding sites; educating the community; assissting dengue patients and hospitals, tracing dengue hotspots.

Public urged to maintain hygiene as W.I.L.D. cases rise

Aside from Quezon City, the first local government unit to declare an outbreak of the vector-borne disease, the PRC also identified Negros Occidental, Paranaque City and Iloilo as currently experiencing a surge in cases.

Data collated by the PRC shows Negros Occidental as logging 250 infections and two deaths which translates to an almost 300 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Iloilo reported 385 cases and four deaths (58 percent higher compared to last year); while Paranaque City saw a 20 percent rise or 116 infections.

Gordon said the public must be made better aware of dengue and its devastating impacts on health and urged those experiencing early onset of symptoms to immediately seek medical consult.

While Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo acknowledges that other areas in the country may be experiencing an upward trend in infections, the Department of Health is currently focused on three areas; Calabarzon, Central Luzon and the National Capital Region.

The DOH earlier identified nine areas in across the three regions as showing a concerning rise in dengue cases.

He also allayed concerns following Quezon City’s declaration of a dengue outbreak.

“Ang pagdeklara ng outbreak ay hindi pang-alarma. Isa siyang sitwasyon kung saan ang bilang ng kaso isang sakit ay lumampas sa inaasahang bilang para sa parehong palugit ng oras doon sa nakaraang taon,” Domingo said.

DOH appreciates local interventions to combat dengue but reiterates to stick to effective measures

In light of the rise in dengue infections, state insurer Philhealth announced higher benefit packages for those who will be struck by the virus.

From the previous rate of P10,000, those suffering from mild dengue are now eligible for P19,500 coverage. While those who will be hospitalized for severe dengue can avail of Philhealth coverage of up to P47,000 from the previous rate of P16,000.