CV dengue death toll now at 23

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health-Central Visayas Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit has reported a total of 3,679 dengue cases with 23 deaths in the past six months.

The figure is 55.3 percent higher compared to the same period last year which has only recorded 2,368 cases with 15 deaths. This year’s cases involve victims with ages ranging from one month to 87 years old with a median age of 10 with both sexes equally represented.

Most of those affected were under 6 -10 years age group (27.5%). Majority of the cases were from Cebu City (45.6%) followed by Dumaguete City (6.2%), Minglanilla (5.1%), Lapu-lapu City (4.3%) and Talisay City (4.3%).

 The DOH has reported a total of 32,193 cases nationwide from January to June this year. This figure is also 3.89% higher compared to the 30,989 cases in same period last year.

 In line with its ASEAN theme “ASEAN Unity for Dengue-free Community”, a Dengue Day was observed last June 15.

The DOH adapted the battle cry “Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue, Pagtibayin!” emphasizing community action against dengue by tapping information technology to implement ‘specific targeting’ of dengue cases in communities to significantly reduce cases and deaths.

 This process would allow real-time reporting of dengue cases from rural health units and hospitals.

 Under the system, rural health units or hospitals can immediately report suspected dengue cases to the dengue coordinator, who would forward the message to the Philippine Information Agency and to the barangay-based health team.

 The PIA will then conduct a ‘text blast’ in the affected area about dengue prevention while barangay health teams will conduct investigation.

 Furthermore, the patient’s name and address will be given to the barangay dengue brigade or community health team (CHT) and said CHT will visit the patient on the same day and identify other possible patients in the neighborhood and will advise them to seek medical consultation. Searching and destroying mosquito breeding places is still the main message among community members.

 DOH Secretary Enrique Ona in a statement reiterated his call to the public to search and destroy mosquito breeding places and immediately bring suspected dengue cases to a health facility for proper treatment and management.

 He added that deaths due to dengue can be drastically reduced if only mothers, caregivers and the community will be vigilant. (FREEMAN)