Dengue Alert

THE onset of the new year, the Department of Health in Central Visayas advised the public to continue taking precaution against dengue cases in the region continued to rise based on the yearend report of the DOH-7—Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit in Central Visayas (RESU-7).

Cebu City topped the list with 23.8 percent, followed by Tagbilaran City in Bohol with 4.1 percent, Lapu-Lapu City and Talisay City in Cebu with four percent and 3.5 percent respectively and Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental with 3.5 percent.

According to the report, 20 persons died of dengue in 2010 out of the 3,772 cases, which was higher than the 1,001 dengue cases recorded in 2009. Most of the victims are children aged 6-10.

The DOH-7 is also reminding all the local government units (LGUs) and local health units in the region to strictly implement sanitation campaign in their respective municipality.

“We are urging everyone to take responsibility in cleaning their environment,” said DOH-7 Health and Promotions assistant Jesson Morata.

He said dengue cases are mostly caused by improper disposal of wastes, unmonitored cleaning, stagnant water in dish drains, roof gutter, old tires, used cans and flower vases.

The DOH has taken initiatives in preventing and isolating dengue cases with their “dengue brigade drives” in the community and school campuses. /Correspondent Princess Kathleene Gabunales