Dengue claims one more victim

CEBU, Philippines- The Cebu City Health Department is looking into the recent dengue death reported in one of the urban barangays in the city.

A grade one pupil in Lahug Elementary School reportedly died last week because of dengue. The Freeman withheld the name of the pupil pending the official report from the city health officials.

City officials, how-ever, have yet to determine whether the fatality is also a resident of Lahug.

Dr. Daisy Villa, city health officer, said she will visit the family of the fatality as soon as possible to gather more information.

“We study the area kun asa gikan ang dengue. We have to study kay para mag-spray gani ta, makahibaw ta asa mag-spray dili kay magpataka lang ta,” Villa said.

She said that part of the investigation is to find out why the child was not immediately given the needed medical intervention.

“Akong i-investigate nganong wala ni nalihok kay basin og kompiyansa lang siguro kay duha pa ang namatay sa 2015,” Villa added.

The city health department has recorded at least 384 dengue cases in the city from January until June 27 this year with three fatalities, including the grade one pupil from Lahug Elementary School. The two other recorded deaths came from barangays Bulacao and Barrio Luz.

The number is lower compared to the 387 cases in the same period last year. It has, however, the same number of fatalities. 

Villa asked the barangay health officers to investigate the dengue cases in their respective barangay.

She said that the fight against dengue cases should include cleaning the esteros, canals, rivers, among others.

She wants the public to consult health officers if a family member shows symptoms of dengue, like fever, stomach ache, among others.

The Cebu City Medical Center has recorded 31 cases of dengue in the months of June and July this year.

Lawyer Rey Cris Panugaling, director for administration of CCMC, said that June had 24 cases of dengue while July has only seven.  (FREEMAN)