By JEN BAYLON
Negros Occidental is facing a concerning spike in dengue cases, as 105 new cases were reported in just one week, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said.
A total of 1,256 dengue cases were recorded from January 1 to March 8 this year, higher by 412.65 percent compared to last year, when only 245 cases were recorded, PHO data showed.
There was also no increase in dengue-related fatalities, which remained at six.
Bago City recorded the highest number of cases at 254, as 22 additional cases were reported.
It is followed by the cities of La Carlota and Kabankalan, both with 95 cases.
The cities of San Carlos and Silay, as well as Ilog town, each reported one dengue-related death.
Health officials also noted that dengue has affected individuals across all age groups, ranging from zero to 92 years old.
The 11- to 20-year-old age group reported the highest number of cases.
Local health authorities are urging residents to take preventive measures against dengue, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using insect repellents, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nikka Hao, director of the Department of Health (DOH) in Negros Island Region, said there has been an increase in dengue cases, and this is partly because of better reporting.
The DOH and the provincial and city health offices are continuously conducting search and destroy operations versus mosquito breeding places, Hao said.
She said the 4S preventive measures are effective in mitigating dengue.
The residents are advised to take proactive steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by practicing the “4S” strategy, which includes
* Search and destroy mosquito-breeding grounds by eliminating stagnant water and containers
* Self-protection measures like applying insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants
* Seek early consultation with a doctor or health worker for any symptoms
* Support fogging or spraying in local hotspot or outbreak areas where an increase in cases is registered
“Our hospitals are also implementing dengue fast lanes to ensure immediate management of these cases when referred,” Hao said.
The DOH said dengue fast lanes at hospitals across the country will provide immediate care for patients exhibiting dengue symptoms, such as high fever, severe headaches and muscle pain.
These fast lanes aim to prevent complications by ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Dengue is spread by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, and causes a severe flu-like illness that can sometimes be fatal.
One of the most common symptoms of dengue is a sudden high-grade fever that may reach approximately 40 degrees Celsius, the DOH said.
Symptoms start four to 10 days after exposure to a mosquito bite, with most cases getting better in one to two weeks.
The DOH said that once the fever subsides after four or five days, warning signs will appear — bleeding gums, rashes and color changes in the stool.
This is already considered an advanced stage because there is already bleeding inside the body, the DOH said./JB, WDJ