24 new dengue cases reported in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines - Despite efforts to control the rising dengue cases, at least 24 new patients have been reported by the Cebu City Health Department as of yesterday.

City health officer Dr. Daisy Villa said the new dengue cases were a cause for concern considering that there are already a total of 892 cases since January with 11 deaths.

“There are now 892 dengue cases, 24 of which are newly recorded,” Villa said.

The continuous rise of the dreaded mosquito-borne disease, however, has not yet reached an alarming stage.

“This is really of concern. If we say alarming, it’s not. But we rather consider it of concern since this illness resulted to several casualties,” Villa said.

Since January there were already 11 fatalities reported in Barangays Bulacao, Barrio Luz, Suba, Busay, Guadalupe, Pasil, San Nicolas Proper, and Apas.

Villa lamented that most of the affected individuals that reached the severe dengue classification have sought late consultation or treatment.

“Most of the children admitted and died were brought to the hospital too late,” she said.

Villa said most of the people disregarded the importance of health when there are free and fully operational barangay health centers and satellite laboratories in the city.

She said the city has medical personnel that are trained on “Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses” for early identification of signs and symptoms on children less than five years old afflicted with dengue.

She advised the people to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Villa is also hopeful that the people will have the attitude to change their behavior or practice, stressing that a unified force in combating the illness.

“Tagsa tagsa ka lumulupyo mao untay mobuhat ana dili magsige lang tag ingon nga ang city health department or government maoy mobuhat,” she said.

Villa reiterated the call for all residents to continue the 4 o’clock habit in searching and destroying possible breeding sites of mosquitoes.

“We have to continue doing it. There is a need to do an immediate action to stop the spread of the disease,” Villa said. (FREEMAN)