CEBU, Philippines — At least 14 people died of dengue in Central Visayas for the first 26 days of the year, 11 of whom were from Cebu, records of the Department of Health - 7 showed.
From January 1 to 26, DOH recorded 1,657 cases or 147 percent higher than the 670 cases in the same period last year.
Dr. Ronald Buscato, medical officer III of DOH-7, attributed the increase to “behavioral problems” of the residents affected, including their inability to clean their households properly.
"This is actually more of a behavioral problem. Ang ato rang gipangayo nila is manglimpyo (This is actually more of a behavioral problem. All we’re asking them to do is clean)," Buscato said.
Some residents also reportedly refused to cooperate with the government’s efforts in performing Vector Control Methods to destroy potential breeding places of mosquitoes carrying dengue.
"Kung naay usa ka taw nga mubalibad nga dili magpa-mist sa ilang balay, useless ang atoang pag-conduct (If one person refuses misting at his house, our operation will be useless)," Buscato said.
Vectors are the dengue-carrying mosquitoes, Aedes egypti and Aedes albopictus.
In Cebu, a total of 1,008 cases were recorded with 11 cases resulting to death. One died each in Mandaue City; Toledo City; Talisay City; and the municipalities of Cordova, Bogo, San Remigio, Bantayan, Poro, and Tuburan while two died in Cebu City.
One died in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental and two died in Tagbilaran City in Bohol.
While no one died in Lapu-Lapu within this period, the city recorded the most number of cases in a single city or municipality with 171 cases. Cebu City followed with 127 cases.
To avoid the disease, Buscato urged the public to apply the so-called 4S at their homes – search and destroy breeding places, secure self-production, seek early consultation, and support fogging/spraying in their respective communities. — John Kendrick P. Ceciban and Joevelon G. Pinay, JMO, (FREEMAN)