Dengue cases surge in first half of this year; 49 dead

CEBU, Philippines - Dengue cases reported in Central Visayas grew by 159 percent in the first half of the year based on statistics from different disease reporting units (DRUs) in the region.

A total of 6,066 dengue cases and 49 deaths have been reported across the region from January 1 to June 18, a significant jump from the 2,340 cases and 12 deaths logged same period in 2015.

According to the data, cases were reported in ages three days to 100 years old, but most victims affected were from the age bracket of six to 10 years old. Both sexes are almost equally represented with 51.8 percent of the cases males.

Majority of the cases were from Cebu City (14.5 percent), followed by Mandaue City (4.8 percent), Toledo City (4.1 percent), Balamban (3.7 percent) and Lapu-Lapu City (2.8 percent).

The Cebu Provincial Health Office has advised the public to be more vigilant because the number of dengue cases is still expected to rise.

“We just had El Niño. Atong gi-emphasize sa atong katawhan nga ayaw mo kapanatag o relax nga El Niño wala’y dengue. Because there are still breeding places, fewer maybe, and these mosquitoes naa sila’y peculiar properties or pamatasan nga kung tag-init kay mas paspas sila mangitlog,” said provincial health officer Dr. Cynthia Genosolango.

The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) is also urging the general public to clean up possible mosquito breeding places like flower vases, dish drains, old tires, roof gutters and used cans where water can pool or accumulate.

Aside from observing proper sanitation, RESU is also recommending the use of personal protective measures, such as mosquito nets, insect repellent lotions and window screens at home.

Parents are also encouraged to make their children wear long sleeves and pants to avoid mosquito bites.

“Usually, ang daghan man gud nato nga case kay mga bata. Unlike nato mga adult nga dali ra ta makahapak. Ang mga bata usually dili sila makamatikod nga gipaak na diay sila sa lamok. They are advised to wear protective clothing gyud,” Genosolango said.

Local government units are called to intensify information campaign on dengue, emphasizing the importance of eliminating the breeding places of mosquitoes, and to mobilize the community to actively participate in environmental sanitation activities such as cleanup drives.

Local health units are also recommended to initiate cleanup campaigns in communities and to sustain disease surveillance on dengue.

Government and private hospitals are likewise encouraged to strictly follow dengue clinical treatment protocol and to activate dengue fast lanes.

School-based programs targeting parents and children and creation of “Dengue School Brigades” to achieve sustainability are also encouraged in the campus settings.

“The advocacy on the awareness, mao gyud na akong gusto. Nga effective gyud siya and ma-target gyud namo ang population nga maka-respond. Like of course sa parents mismo nga sila sa ilang kaugalingong household, within or outside, or duol sa ilang balay nga wala gyud possible nga breeding of mosquitoes,” Genosolango said. (FREEMAN)