Dengue cases in WV up 163%
The Department of Health has recommended the activation of the local dengue task force following a sharp increase in the number of dengue cases in the region.
Based on the latest report by the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (Resu), there are already 2,064 dengue cases in Western Visayas from January 1 to August 4, including 29 deaths.
"This is 163% higher compared to the same period last year," the Resu report states.
At the same time, the Resu urged hospitals in the region to "establish dengue fast lanes in all hospitals and RHUs (rural health units)" and to submit weekly dengue report. Resu is also encouraging blood donations.
With the increase in the dengue cases, the Resu deemed it wise to sustain the '4S' campaign: search and destroy of breeding places, self-protection, seeking of early medical intervention, and saying no to indiscriminate use of fogging.
Last year, The Resu recorded only 776 cases of dengue for the entire region, including nine deaths. Based on the monitoring, Negros Occidental and Iloilo are the provinces with the highest number of cases, which are at 507 and 508 respectively.
The Resu noted that dengue cases clustered in the cities of Bacolod, Sagay and Victorias, and in Hinoba-an town in Negros Occ. In Iloilo, they noted a clustering in Oton and Pavia towns.
But with 595 dengue cases, including five deaths, Bacolod City has higher cases than Negros Occ. With this, the DoH considers it a hot spot because of the "increase in the number of cases for two consecutive weeks even though the number is still within the expected range."
Last year, Bacolod City only had 205 cases, three of whom died. Iloilo City has 341 cases, including six mortalities. Last year's figure was at 155, with four deaths. Capiz has 38; Aklan, 35; Guimaras, 25; and Antique, 15 cases.
Based on the Resu report, dengue has afflicted both the young and the old. "Age of cases ranged from 2 months to 78 years with median age of 10 years," the report states.