CEBU, Philippines — “Dengue is no longer just a threat. The death of one is alarming. But of 16? It’s no joke at all. As mayor, I will now have to take over.”
This was the statement of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama as he prepares an executive order for a full-blown “war against dengue.”
The City Health Department (CHD) has reported 16 deaths from dengue. The city now has 1,247 cases as of June 23, 2022.
Based on data from CHD, the 10 barangays with the most number of cases are Guadalupe, 115; Lahug, 69; Tisa, 60; Labangon, 57; Pardo, 52; Inayawan, 47; Kamputhaw, 43; Mambaling, 42; Talamban, 40; and Punta Princesa, Quiot Pardo, 36.
Health authorities said the number of cases is now nearing outbreak level, something that Rama said the city must not wait to happen.
“We must now declare war against it. Preventive medicine is key. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” Rama said.
His executive order will contain a bottom-up approach, which will require the involvement of households, members of the Liga ng mga Barangay, “search and destroy” concept, and reminders to the public on how to help fight the disease.
In the next few days, the city will convene members of the Convergence, the group composed of stakeholder representatives tackling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“This new menace comes at a time while we are still in our road to recovery from the pandemic and the calamities. We can’t afford (to allow us) to face a triple whammy,” Rama said.
“As we did while in pandemic, we refresh our call for a Parental-Supervised Household Protection, not anymore only against the virus but also to prevent dengue. We all know the drill. Get rid of stagnant waters, misting in dark areas at home, use mosquito repellants and drink more than usual,” he added.
Rama said the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) and other hospitals in the city are prepared to handle dengue cases.
Dr. Anton Oliver Reposar, CCMC medical director, echoed the mayor’s statement.
“For CCMC, we prepared the supplies for the patients of dengue. As of now, we have an augmentation from DOH as to NS1 Dengue kits, and also we are waiting for the delivery of our procurement for the 2022. So libre na tanang mga laboratory sa CCMC like dengue NS1 and other dengue test, CBC and other laboratories,” he said. – JMO (FREEMAN)