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| Dengue cases in Eastern Visayas soar to 6,058, with 15 deaths as of August 3, 2024. DOH-EVCHD urges the public to follow prevention measures. |
The Department of Health Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-EVCHD) has issued an urgent advisory following a severe dengue outbreak in the region. As of August 3, 2024, Eastern Visayas has reported 6,058 dengue cases and 15 deaths, marking a 154% increase compared to last year. This surge has prompted immediate actions to improve the management and treatment of dengue patients.
Health Facilities Required to Reestablish Dengue Fast Lanes
In response to the rising case numbers, Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary of Health, has mandated all public and private health facilities in Eastern Visayas to reestablish Dengue Fast Lanes. These designated areas within health facilities are crucial for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of dengue patients. Key directives include:
- Designation of dengue fast lanes – Health facilities must create specific zones within their premises to manage dengue cases efficiently, ensuring quick processing and care for affected individuals.
- Retraining of medical personnel – Facilities must provide medical staff with retraining on the latest guidelines for detecting, triaging, and treating dengue. This training aims to enhance the effectiveness of care and reduce treatment delays.
- Provision of essential supplies – Ensuring an adequate stock of intravenous fluids, Dengue Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), and necessary medications is essential for managing patient needs effectively.
- Adherence to reporting protocols – Accurate and timely reporting of dengue cases to the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) or City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) must be strictly followed to ensure coordinated public health responses.
Key Prevention Strategies
- Eliminate mosquito breeding sites – Mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever breed in stagnant water. Eliminate potential breeding grounds around your home by regularly checking and removing standing water from containers, old tires, and other receptacles.
- Use insect repellent – Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing, particularly during peak mosquito activity times such as early morning and late afternoon.
- Wear protective clothing – Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce mosquito bites. Opt for light-coloured clothing, as mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colours.
- Seek early medical attention – If you experience symptoms of dengue, such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, or rash, seek medical care promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the disease and preventing severe complications.
- Support fogging operations– Participate in or support local fogging efforts to control mosquito populations in areas with high dengue case numbers. Fogging helps reduce the number of mosquitoes and minimizes the risk of further outbreaks.
What You Can Do
As the outbreak continues to impact the region, residents are urged to support these measures by following preventive strategies at home. These include eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and seeking early medical consultation if symptoms arise. Implementing Dengue Fast Lanes is a crucial step in managing the outbreak, and cooperation from health facilities and the public will be key in controlling the spread of the disease.
Residents should consult local health authorities for ongoing updates and additional information and adhere to recommended preventive practices. By working together, we can mitigate the impact of the dengue outbreak and protect community health. —iTacloban