Number of dengue cases may continue to rise, says DOH-7
CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) has reiterated its reminders and caution to the public when it comes to dengue.
Local health officials here said that they are expecting the number of dengue cases will continue to increase, especially that the country has just recently entered the wet or rainy season.
From January to May 28, 2022, DOH-7 has already recorded a total of 4,693 dengue cases. Of this number, 38 cases led to deaths.
While current data shows that they are far from recommending a declaration of an outbreak, they warned the public that the continued increase is a “cause of concern”.
“At this point, it’s a cause of concern,” said Dr. Ronald Jarvik Buscato, dengue program coordinator of DOH-7.
Buscato pointed out that the number of dengue cases in the region has not yet peaked, which means they are expecting to record more dengue patients in the coming weeks.
“It is expected to rise further. We’re still in the beginning of the wet season, and we are yet to experience the frequency of rain. Once we reach that point, it will likely result in more breeding grounds for mosquitoes and more dengue cases,” explained Buscato.
He also said that they have predicted 2022 as a dengue epidemic year, adding that they have observed a resurgence in dengue infections every three years.
“And base experience sa duha ka outbreaks in 2016 and 2019, more or less pare-pareha ug pattern ang karun nga situation sa dengue. We started low, and then shoot up sa rainy season,” Buscato said.
In the meantime, DOH-7 said dengue-related admissions remain manageable and hospitals can still respond properly to patients showing symptoms of the deadly infection.
“Once again, we should not be complacent… Naninguha ug activate sa sa atong barangay so they will be vigilant on the possible rise of infection. We need to prevent a full-blown outbreak kay lisud na ug control. And prevent atong tambalanan maoverwhelm,” added Buscato.
/bmjo
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