No outbreak yet: Capitol on guard against dengue

CEBU, Philippines — Despite recording 381 confirmed dengue cases across Cebu Province in July, provincial health officials clarified that the situation has not reached outbreak level, although the steady rise in infections has prompted intensified surveillance and heightened hospital preparedness.

Capitol Public Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan described the increase as typical during the rainy season but emphasized that the province remains in a "guarded" situation rather than an epidemiological outbreak.

Provincial Health Office (PHO) data showed Toledo City recorded the highest number of confirmed dengue cases with 49, followed by Barili with 39, Talisay City with 34, Consolacion with 33, and Carcar City and Medellin with 19 cases each.

Cordova and Dalaguete each reported 17 cases, followed by Sogod with 14, Danao City with 13, and Argao, Balamban and Compostela with 12 cases each.

Liloan logged 10 cases, while Daanbantayan, Moalboal and San Francisco recorded nine infections each.

Borbon, Minglanilla and Oslob registered eight cases each, followed by Badian, Bogo City and Madridejos with seven each, Pinamungajan with five, and Catmon with four.

Rainy season spike

Dr. Jenina Canoy, PHO chief of hospitals, said the increase in dengue cases coincides with the onset of the rainy season, when mosquito breeding sites become more prevalent.

"Ni-spike jud siya nu considering that we're in the rainy season," said Canoy.

She said the PHO had already reminded local government units before the rainy season to strengthen dengue prevention measures during coordination meetings.

Canoy added that Capitol-run hospitals had prepared in advance by ensuring adequate stocks of medicines, intravenous fluids, medical supplies and sufficient personnel to respond to the anticipated increase in dengue patients.

To improve patient management, the provincial government has activated Dengue Fast Lanes in all Capitol-run provincial and district hospitals.

Canoy said the initiative enables hospitals to immediately prioritize patients with suspected dengue upon arrival.

"Among gi-prepare ang hospitals jud nga ma-kompleto ang supplies necessary, to have this priority lanes for dengue patients so that they can be attended timely," she said.

She stressed that activating the fast lanes is part of the province's preparedness strategy and not a response to an outbreak.

"In this time amo lang jud gi-activate just to be more prepared with regards to our medicine, supplies, IV fluids, preparation of the staff so that they will be able to cater to patients immediately," Canoy added.

Under the system, patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of dengue undergo priority assessment, faster laboratory testing and immediate medical management, allowing health workers to closely monitor cases that could progress into severe dengue.

On guard

Catalan said dengue cases have continued to rise over the past three months, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance across the province.

"In the past three months ni-saka na jud ang cases," said Catalan.

Despite the increase, she emphasized that the number of cases remains below the threshold needed to declare an outbreak.

"We'd say guarded. Dili pa matawag nga outbreak but just of concern because of the rise of the cases. Epidemiologically, dili siya outbreak," she said.

Instead, Catalan said the province has adopted a more aggressive approach to detecting and treating suspected cases through the Dengue Fast Lanes.

"But right now we're more vigilant. Mao ni ang Dengue Fast Lanes. Point being there's a higher or lower tolerance for these kinds of signs and symptoms—deretso na sila didto," she added.

Early detection

Catalan urged residents not to panic over the increase in cases but to seek medical attention immediately once symptoms develop.

"We're really not here to cause panic or fear, but mao lang jud ni ang among gibalik-balik—early detection, early treatment saves lives," she said.

She stressed that prompt consultation significantly improves a patient's chances of avoiding severe complications.

"The earlier to seek care the better jud. Mao lang na among gi-advocate," Catalan said.

Health officials continue to closely monitor dengue alongside leptospirosis, another disease that commonly surges during the rainy season.

Earlier PHO monitoring recorded two dengue-related deaths during the current surveillance period—one each from Consolacion and Compostela.

Children aged six to 10 years old account for the highest number of infections, followed by individuals aged 11 to 20 years old.

Catalan also urged local government units to sustain regular clean-up drives and closely monitor dengue trends within their respective communities to help curb transmission.

Blood supply concerns

Apart from monitoring cases, Catalan raised concerns over the limited supply of blood products needed by some dengue patients requiring transfusions.

She said blood remains available through blood banks but acknowledged that supplies of specific blood components can become scarce.

"Nihit jud... In my personal experience because I have a family friend nga nangita jud og dugo," Catalan shared.

Canoy said Capitol-run hospitals have scheduled regular mobile blood donation drives every two to three months, depending on each hospital's schedule.

She added that the Philippine Red Cross continues to conduct blood donation activities in various cities, municipalities and schools to help maintain adequate blood supplies.

Catalan said another bloodletting activity is scheduled on August 4 and 5 as part of the province's wellness caravan to encourage more voluntary blood donors. — /FPL (FREEMAN)