AM Garcia urged to declare health emergency to contain dengue

Local

THE Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) is urging Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to declare a state of public health emergency in the city.

Dr. Daisy Villa, head of the CCHD, believes that declaring a health emergency will encourage residents to be more vigilant and adopt preventive measures against dengue.

This recommendation comes after a recent report showed 597 dengue cases as of Friday, September 6, compared to only 27 cases in all of 2023.

Villa reported that dengue has already caused eight deaths in Cebu City, whereas there were no dengue-related deaths last year.

"Dili ra kita'y motrabaho. Dili ang city officials lang ang mag sige og clean up lang. It should be the whole community, the whole Cebu City," she said during an interview on Friday.

Meanwhile, Garcia said in a separate interview that he plans to meet with Villa and other officials to discuss the possible declaration of a state of public health emergency.

The mayor urged Cebu City residents to follow the measures set by health experts to prevent dengue.

During an earlier virtual press conference, Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, regional epidemiologist for Department of Health Central Visayas, explained that common symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and rash.

If left untreated, the disease can progress to more severe forms, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, both of which can be fatal.

Cañal emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention to prevent further deaths. She urged the public to remain vigilant, boost immunity, maintain cleanliness, and follow the '4S' strategy.

This strategy includes: searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites, securing self-protection, seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging and misting in high-case areas.(MyTVCebu)