Central Visayas dengue cases alarming

THE DEPARTMENT of Health expressed concern over the rising number of dengue cases in the Central Visayas region.

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, DOH-7 regional director, said the figures show a pattern that dengue outbreak occurs once every three years since 2016.

“Historically, every three years we experience surges in dengue cases. We have not seen its rise during the coronavirus disease 2019 surges,” he said as he urged local governments to intensify their prevention, surveillance, and reporting of dengue cases to prevent a possible outbreak.

He asked school administrators to step up efforts in making campuses dengue-free now that the Department of Education is readying for the limited face-to-face classes in all levels.

Dr. Ronald Jarvik Buscato, DOH-7 dengue prevention and control program head, reported that the Central Visayas region has recorded a total of 4,623 dengue cases with 38 deaths, or a 0.8% case fatality rate from January 1 to May 28. He said the number is 421% higher than the same period last year.

He said the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, and Talisay; and the town of Minglanilla have recorded a high number of dengue cases. “Although it has not reached the peak to be considered alarming, data shows that as compared to 2016, dengue cases doubled in 2019, and the same as with 2016 data as compared to 2013. I can’t say for 2022 but historically, it is really a pattern,” Buscato said.

Bernadas advised those who have symptoms of dengue fever to immediately go to hospital.

Dengue is transmitted through a bite of dengue-infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes can lay eggs in any space or container that holds clear and stagnant water like a bottle cap, dish dryer, plant axil, gutter, trash can, old rubber tire.  

They usually bite between 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset and can be found inside and outside the house. Dengue symptoms typically begin 3 to 14 days after infection and these may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash. (John Rey Saavedra)