DoH seeks nationwide vape ban

The Department of Health (DoH) has pushed for total ban on vape products, warning that aggressive marketing and misleading claims are endangering public health, particularly among minors.

In a report by the Philippine News Agency over the weekend, the DoH said vape products are often advertised as harmless substitutes for traditional cigarettes, despite containing chemicals linked to heart disease, cancer, and lung conditions.

The agency noted that the variety of flavors and bright packaging of vape devices contribute to their appeal among young users.

Citing data from the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, the DoH said seven in 10 Filipino youths aged 13 to 15 have reported using vape products.

Health officials also disclosed that the country recently recorded its first documented death linked to prolonged vape use.

The DoH said it is expanding collaboration with international partners under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

It added that the Health Promotion Bureau continues to work with schools, communities, and workplaces to raise awareness of the dangers associated with vaping and smoking.

Meanwhile, the department reported a decline in dengue cases but cautioned that recent storms may reverse this trend.

From 12 to 25 October, the DoH logged 14,038 dengue cases — an 8 percent drop from the 15,182 cases recorded between 28 September and 11 October.

Despite the decline, officials warned that cyclones “Tino” and “Uwan” have left behind widespread flooding, increasing the likelihood of new mosquito breeding sites.

The DoH said stagnant water in containers such as old tires, pots, and discarded bins can rapidly become breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary carriers of dengue.

Filipinos experiencing possible dengue symptoms — including fever, rashes, body pain, eye pain, dizziness, or vomiting — are advised to seek immediate medical attention.