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| DOH-8 warns the public about the increase in dengue cases in the region. Measures to prevent transmission and reduce the risk of dengue are recommended. |
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas is sounding the alarm on the continued rise of dengue cases in the region. The 2022 annual surveillance report of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) showed that Eastern Visayas recorded 6,794 dengue cases by the end of last year, resulting in 20 deaths.
This is a significant increase from the 877 cases recorded in 2021, which recorded zero deaths.
As of the third morbidity week of 2023, the region has already recorded 210 dengue cases, a 19% increase from the 176 cases recorded during the same period last year. The majority of cases, 90%, required hospitalization, with the province of Leyte having the highest number of cases at 84.
DOH attributes the rise in dengue cases to the persistent torrential rains the amihan (Northeast Monsoon) brought during the first quarter of 2023.
HEALTH ADVISORY ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST DENGUE Advisory No. 2023-002 | January 30, 2021 The DOH Eastern...
Posted by Department of Health Eastern Visayas on Sunday, January 29, 2023
To combat the spread of dengue, DOH urges the public to inspect containers for Aedes mosquito larvae and pupae and regularly clean them to eliminate the larvae. The department is also proposing the activation of dengue brigades in villages and organizing weekly search-and-destroy operations to prevent dengue transmission.
Individuals exhibiting symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, frequent vomiting, lethargy, or restlessness are advised to seek immediate medical attention. The DOH also calls for policy and financial support from local governments for disaster risk reduction, health management plans, and regular cleanup campaigns to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds.
Dengue fever is a viral illness characterized by high fever, severe headache, and pain in the eyes, muscles, and joints. Some patients may also experience rashes and varying degrees of bleeding in different body parts.
The department hopes that by putting these measures in place, the region will be able to address the current trends in dengue cases early in the year and prevent the disease from spreading further. —iTacloban