WV dengue cases alarming – DOH
Dengue cases in Western Visayas have reached an alarming level and inevitable outbreak unless immediate preventive measures are set in place, according to the Department of Health.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona yesterday said dengue cases in Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Metro Manila have increased tremendously as shown by the data of the National Epidemiology Center.
DOH 6 records show that dengue cases in Western Visayas have reached 11,896 from January to August 21, 282 percent higher compared to the same period last year, which only recorded 3,116 cases.
Ona, however, said dengue cases nationwide have begun to “level-off” late last month after increasing to 99 percent from January to August this year.
Alarmed over the surge of patients flocking hospitals seeking dengue consultations, Ona encouraged the public to visit their health centers if they feel the symptoms of dengue as health center workers are also able to manage dengue cases, especially those that do not require hospitalization.
“Many dengue cases, if mild, can be managed at home or closely monitored by our local health workers in the various communities since not all dengue cases require hospitalization,” he said.
Ona said the symptoms of dengue are similar to colds, bronchitis and the regular flu.
These include mild to high grade fever with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain and rashes.
Still Rising
In Iloilo City, health authorities have reported that dengue cases continue to increase.
A report of the City Health Office on Wednesday showed the number of cases has risen to over 700, with 15 deaths as of September 7.
Last week, CHO reported only 255 dengue cases, with nine deaths as of August 31.
CHO Head Urminico Baronda told Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog he sees no improvement in the barangay cleanup campaign.
“The barangays are passive because of their lack of resources,” Baronda said.
He said in Brgy. Benedicto, Jaro district, no clean-up has taken place
despite the six dengue cases in the community.
City Administrator Norlito Bautista, however, said that civic-mindedness, not funds, is required for the clean-up and suggested that the names of barangays not complying with the mayor’s directive should be submitted for appropriate action.*
