By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The provincial government of Negros Occidental is bracing for further increase in dengue cases in the next two months brought by the rainy conditions.
Based on data released by the Department of Health in Western Visayas (DOH-6), from January 1 to July 9 of this year, the province has recorded 2,096 dengue cases with 10 fatalities – 823 percent higher compared to 233 cases recorded in the same period last year.
During a virtual meeting held yesterday morning attended by the 31 city and municipal health officers in the province, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) informed Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson that there is a downward trend of dengue cases in the top 10 local government units (LGUs) with the most number of cases.
Lacson said it appears that the city and municipal health officers did not remiss their duties in the fight against dengue as early as this year, including the awareness campaign.
The governor also said the LGUs had allocated a budget for dengue, as health officers admitted to have received assistance from the provincial government in addressing dengue cases in their respective areas.
He further stated that he told city and municipal health officers of his intention to hold a meeting with the mayors to ensure that there is a budget for dengue every year.
At the same time, Lacson also reminded to activate their respective dengue task force, which will address the dengue problem.
Dengue is caused by day-biting Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that breed in clean, stagnant water.
According to the World Health Organization, individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees centigrade) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea / vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.
For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in vomit, fatigue, and restlessness./PN