Tom wants zero dengue-related deaths, not just drop in figure

CEBU, Philippines – While the number of dengue-related casualties in Cebu City has tremendously dropped to only eight from January 1 to May 23 this year as compared to 24 deaths for the same period last year, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he is not satisfied with the figure.

Osmeña expressed this after barangay Pahina-San Nicolas proved prevention can be done. Pahina-San Nicolas was recognized for not having a single dengue case since last year.

He said he wants zero dengue-related casualties in the city and that this could be best achieved if those manifesting symptoms of dengue are taken to the hospitals, or to the barangay health centers, immediately.

According to Osmeña, it is sad to note that there are some who take the patient to the hospital only when the situation is already serious.

The mayor and the city health officials, during the first day of the Dengue Awareness Month yesterday, reiterated the need for the public to play an active role in the fight against dengue by making it a habit to clean up their respective surroundings and by destroying the possible breeding sites of mosquitoes.

“Ang pagpanglimpyo sa atong palibot dili kay ato ra nga himoon atol sa Dengue Prevention Month, kun dili himoon nato kini sa tibook g’yod nga tuig,” said Dr. Expedito Medalla of the Department of Health-7.

Cebu City health’s dengue coordinator Raymond Ogan announced that there were only 299 reported dengue cases from January to May 23 as compared to 588 for the same period last year.

About 100 health workers from different barangays of the city attended the launching of the Dengue Awareness Month in front of the Cebu City Hall yesterday and were instructed to double their efforts in disseminating information to barangay residents.

Councilor Gerardo Carillo, action officer of the Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Council, and city health officer Fe Cabugao gave a certificate of recognition to Pahina-San Nicolas barangay captain Antonio Caruzca because of the success of his barangay to achieve zero dengue case since last year.

Officials of Bulacao were also commended for successfully preventing the spread of dengue in their barangay.

Durinda Macasucol, assistant chief of the City Epidemiology Statistics and Surveillance Unit, said that Bulacao used to be the second barangay with the highest number of dengue cases in 2007, but now it has dropped to 44th spot on the list.

“Panglimpyo ra g’yod sa palibot maoy ilang gihimo nga nakapaminus sa dengue cases sa ilang barangay,” Carillo said.

Osmeña describes dengue hemorrhagic fever as “worst than cancer”. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)