Dengue claims life of 18-year-old

CEBU, Philippines - An 18-year-old from Barangay Hipodromo is the latest casualty of dengue in Cebu City, bringing the number of fatalities to four this year. 

City Health Officer Dr. Stella Ygoña said that the victim, Fernando Porcerada, was admitted at Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) last August 31 due to high fever but died two days later.

"Way edad gipili ang dengue busa seek medical attention and di magduha-duha mo adto sa duol nga hospitals ug health centers (Dengue does not choose the age of its victims so it's important to seek medical attention. Don't think twice in going to nearby hospitals and health centers)," Ygoña advised, adding that the age range of patients of Dengue are from six months old to 86 years old.

She said that the school age groups were the most affected because some have low immune systems.

But Ygoña have pointed out that compared to the previous year, cases of Dengue in Cebu City were lesser by 38.68 percent this year.

"From January to August, 31 cases were reported and four deaths were noted. Compared to the same period last year, cases were 38.68 percent lower with 2012 having 2,559 cases and eight deaths. The incidence rate of the disease is 1.71 for every 1000 population," as stated in the report of the City Epidemiology Statistics and Surveillance Unit.

This year, Guadalupe topped the number of Dengue cases with 115  while other barangays are still being monitored because of the gradual increase of dengue cases such as Talamban with 106, Tisa with 92 and Lahug with 75 cases.

Other barangays that are still being monitored are Apas with 56 cases, Punta Princesa with 52, Mabolo and Quiot with 49 and Kalunasan and Labangon with 48.

Ygoña said that the Dengue Education Awareness and Reduction Program in the barangay level should be strengthened in order to address and mitigate dengue cases in Cebu.

On their part, Ygoña said they have conducted meetings with barangay officials to tackle Dengue as well as having distributed posters and educational materials on dengue prevention.

She added that the "Search and Destroy" strategy is still considered as the best way to control dengue and this is continually being carried out in all barangays in the city.

From January to September 3 this year, the city health office has noted that no dengue cases were reported in seven barangays, namely; Agsungot, Lasuran, Paril, Pun-os, Sinsin, Sudlon II and Toong.

Ygoña said these barangays will get Certificate of Appreciation and other benefits if they will be able to sustain a dengue-free barangay.

"Angayan nga pasidunggan sila gumikan kay nagpakabana ang katawhan ug usab ang mga barangay health officials' paghatag og awareness ngadto sa mga pamilya (They deserve to be given credit since the residents and barangay health officials have done well)," said Ygoña. (FREEMAN)