Dengue claims two more in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines - Two more residents in Talisay City died from the dengue disease this week, raising the number of deaths this year to four.

"This is quite alarming kay in the span of two months we already have four deaths. And this is in spite of our efforts to prevent the spread of the dengue-carrying mosquitoes," said Councilor Choy Aznar, chairman on council committee on health.

The fatalities were Hanna Hazel Sibuyan, 8, of sitio Laray, barangay San Roque and Junalyn Hermita, 18, a resident of barangay Cansojong.

Sibuyan, who was rushed to a private hospital in Cebu City, died Wednesday after suffering from fever for two weeks.

Aznar said their deaths push Talisay City to fourth place in the list of cities with the highest number of dengue cases in the entire region.

Based on the January-February record of the Department of Health (DOH) 7, Central Visayas has 474 dengue cases with six fatalities.

Cebu City has the highest cases with 76 and three deaths.

Lapu-Lapu City is second with 57 cases, Mandaue City and Talisay City follow with 56 and 29 cases, respectively.

Now with four deaths, the city has renewed its call to residents to combat the disease by cleaning their surroundings regularly.

"Wa nagkuwang ang syudad sa dengue campaign. Our programs are ongoing, and we have regular cleanup drives. Ang community na mismo ang magmatngon. Importante na, we always emphasize that each time we go to the different sitios nga di lang ta molihok og naa nay mamatay sa atong tugkaran o naay masakit, kundi kada adlaw manglimpyo tas atong palibot," said the councilor.

Aznar said the city has for the time-being suspended the mist-blowing

drive as there is no concrete proof it is an effective method to fight dengue.

He said cleaning up of surroundings still proves to be the "most effective" method in preventing the spread of the dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Today, concerned city officials are set to meet to discuss ways to make the city dengue-free.

Meanwhile, Aznar said families of the victims will receive burial assistance from the city government. (FREEMAN)