Dengue cases spike, death toll rises to 17  

CEBU, Philippines — Despite the creation of a task force to coordinate the city government’s response, dengue cases in Cebu City continue to rise, nearing 1,500, with 17 fatalities recorded since January.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairman of the Cebu City Council’s committee on health, said more than 600 of the cases were treated at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

Tumulak said the city recorded 17 dengue-related deaths from January to August, with August posting the highest monthly toll at five.

The monthly breakdown showed three deaths in January, one in February, four in March, one in May, one in June, two in July, and five in August.

CCMC recorded 634 dengue cases from dozens of barangays. Mambaling had the highest number with 35 cases, followed by Labangon with 33, Ermita with 30, Pasil with 29, Tisa with 27, and Duljo with 26.

Other barangays also recorded significant numbers: Guadalupe and Quiot Pardo, 25 each; Basak San Nicolas, 22; Kalunasan, 21; Sawang Calero, 20; Lorega, 19; Suba Poblacion, 18; Pahina Central, 17; San Nicolas Central and Talamban, 16 each; and Calamba and Tejero, 15 each.

In an interview, Tumulak stressed that while barangays have conducted clean-up drives, misting operations and information campaigns, these measures remain insufficient.

“Even though it is not alarming, it is my responsibility to inform the public that dengue cases are rising. We have seen a spike, especially in barangays already conducting misting, but it is still not enough,” he said.

Tumulak also raised concerns about sanitation in schools, noting that one dengue-related death was allegedly linked to mosquito breeding in neglected areas of a school compound.

“Yes, the facade was clean, but the back portion of the buildings was very dirty. There is a possibility mosquitoes were breeding there,” he added, urging Parents-Teachers Associations to conduct “Operation Linis” to help safeguard children.

Mayor Nestor Archival earlier issued Executive Order No. 097 creating the Cebu City Dengue Task Force.

The task force is mandated to coordinate dengue prevention, control and management efforts among barangays, schools, hospitals and government offices.

It will strengthen surveillance, mobilize resources and implement the Department of Health’s 5S Dengue Prevention Strategy: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; secure self-protection; seek early consultation; support vector-control measures; and sustain hydration.

Dengue as a viral infection transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It causes severe flu-like illness and may progress to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Symptoms include fever lasting two to seven days, headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, vomiting, poor appetite and bleeding tendencies.

Severe dengue may lead to shock, fluid accumulation, severe bleeding and organ impairment.

Tumulak stressed that the fight against dengue requires vigilance, sustained sanitation and collective responsibility, particularly in communities and schools where children are vulnerable. — FPL (CEBU NEWS)