Cebu City records 2 more dengue-related deaths

Local

THE City Health Department (CHD) in Cebu City reported two additional dengue-related deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10 as of September 16 this year.

This figure comes alongside 764 recorded cases of dengue in the city.

CHD head Dr. Daisy Villa highlighted the sharp increase in dengue cases, which stands in stark contrast to the 30 cases and four suspected deaths recorded during the same period last year.

During the Sugboanon Channel program, Villa attributed the spike to the continuous rains experienced in Metro Cebu in recent weeks.

According to Villa, from January to August this year, the CHD logged 597 dengue cases and eight fatalities, with the victims coming from various barangays, including Buhisan, Cogon Pardo, Lorega, Pardo, Sapangdaku, and Mabolo. The youngest victim was three years old, while the oldest was 75.

The situation in Cebu City mirrors the wider dengue outbreak in the Central Visayas region.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) in the region shows a total of 15,394 dengue cases and 35 deaths across Central Visayas between January and August 2024. Of these fatalities, 14 were from Cebu Province, three from Cebu City, one from Mandaue City, and 17 from other areas within the region.

Villa expressed concern that dengue cases may continue to rise with the onset of the La Niña phenomenon, which is expected to bring more frequent rainfall in the coming months.

The city has already seen a significant surge in cases since July, with 280 cases recorded in that month alone—more than double the 91 cases reported in July 2023.

In response to the rising threat, the CHD has intensified its preventive measures. These include search-and-destroy operations in barangays to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water where the dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquito thrives.

“Naningkamot gyud ta nga masolbad nato ang problema,” Villa emphasized, urging barangay officials and residents to maintain cleanliness and remove potential breeding grounds.

The CHD’s efforts are part of the DOH’s "4S" strategy: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure self-protection, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging or spraying.

Villa also disclosed that CHD is mapping out high-dengue incidence areas to better target its response.

The rising cases prompted Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to consider declaring a public health emergency on September 6, based on CHD’s recommendation.

However, the declaration was deferred for further monitoring of the situation.

If enacted, a public health emergency would empower the city government to mobilize additional resources and strengthen efforts to combat the deadly mosquito-borne disease.

In the meantime, the CHD has ramped up efforts, including misting operations, the installation of insecticide-treated curtains, and the application of larvicide to mosquito breeding grounds.

Villa reiterated that with sustained efforts from both the government and local communities, the further spread of dengue can be curbed.(MyTVCebu)