Dengue cases rising in E. Visayas; state of calamity up in 5 areas

TACLOBAN CITY: Cases of dengue fever in Eastern Visayas continue to rise this week, with five areas in the region having declared a state of calamity due to the spread of mosquito-borne illness. The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Monday that 7,145 residents in the region have suffered the illness, while 18 others died from Jan. 1 to mid-August 2024. 'This is 187 percent higher than the 2,487 cases recorded in the same period in 2023. In the first week of August alone, there were more than 1,000 new cases added,' the DOH regional office said in a statement. A state of calamity due to alarming dengue fever cases has been declared in Ormoc City in Leyte; Catbalogan City, Paranas, and Gandara in Samar; and Maasin City in Southern Leyte. The declaration will allow local government units to use their quick response fund for dengue response. Leyte province recorded the highest number of cases this year with 2,315; Samar with 2,012; Southern Leyte with 837; Eastern Samar with 635; Northern Samar with 358 ; Biliran with 131; Ormoc City with 517; and Tacloban City with 340. "With this situation, we are calling on the public and all local government units to implement measures to prevent rising cases and deaths due to dengue," the DOH said. Earlier, the DOH urged hospitals to reactivate fast lanes for suspected dengue patients to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment. It also reminded the public to carry out dengue prevention through the "5S" strategy, especially since the rainy season has started. The 5S includes search and destroy, self-protection measures, seeking early consultation, saying yes to fogging, and starting and sustaining hydration. Those with dengue warning signs such as abdominal pain, bleeding, frequent vomiting, lethargy, or restlessness are asked to seek early consultation. Dengue fever is marked by the onset of a sudden high fever, a severe headache, and pain behind the eyes, muscles, and joints. Some may develop rashes and varying degrees of bleeding in different parts of the bod y. The DOH asked city and town mayors to regularly organize cleanup campaigns focusing on destroying mosquito-breeding places in their areas. Source: Philippines News Agency