TACLOBAN CITY: Cases of dengue fever have been rising in Eastern Visayas, with 14,998 persons infected and 26 deaths as of the third week of November, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Monday. This is 279 percent higher than the 3,953 cases logged during the same period in 2023 with only nine deaths, according to the DOH’s latest update.
According to Philippines News Agency, Leyte province recorded the highest number of cases this year with 4,678; Samar with 3,743; Southern Leyte with 2,661; Eastern Samar with 1,017; Northern Samar with 931; Biliran with 289; Ormoc City with 983; and Tacloban City with 696. Of the total cases in the region, some 10,634 were admitted to hospitals. Most of those who fell ill are one- to 10-year-old boys.
DOH-Eastern Visayas information officer Jelyn Lopez-Malibago said that although overall cases this year are high, there was a drop in cases in the third week of November compared to the previous weeks. ‘For the morbidity week 47 (third week of November), we have reco
rded 64 new cases. This is 46 percent lower than the 118 cases logged in morbidity week 46 (second week of November),’ Malibago said in a phone interview.
“With this situation, we are calling on the public and all local government units to continue implementing measures to prevent rising cases and deaths due to dengue.’ Earlier, the DOH urged hospitals to reactivate fast lanes for suspected dengue patients to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment.
It also reminded the public to carry out dengue prevention through the “5S” strategy, especially since the rainy season has started. The 5S includes search and destroy, self-protection measures, seeking early consultation, saying yes to fogging, and starting and sustaining hydration. Those with dengue warning signs such as abdominal pain, bleeding, frequent vomiting, lethargy, or restlessness are asked to seek early consultation.
Dengue fever is marked by the onset of a sudden high fever, a severe headache, and pain behind the eyes, muscles, and joints. Some
may develop rashes and varying degrees of bleeding in different parts of the body. The DOH asked local chief executives to regularly organize cleanup campaigns focused on destroying mosquito-breeding places in their areas.
