‘FAST LANES’ FOR DENGUE
Free blood tests, hospital care in Cebu City Medical Center
Dengue patients can avail of free blood tests and hospital care in the Cebu City Medical Center, which is on full alert for the mosquito-borne disease.
An increase in dengue cases based on year-on-year comparison was reported by the City Health Department which recorded 831 cases from January to September compared to 763 for the same term last year.
A “fast lane” for suspected dengue patients is one of the contingency measures reinforced in the public hospital in view of the rainy season, said CCMC director for administration Rey Chris Panugaling.
So far the number of dengue patients is “still minimal”, he said, but in case the volume increases, the third floor can be opened for more beds.
Fluids to keep a patient hydrated are in stock, said Panugaling, and almost 20 doctors specializing in pediatrics and internal medicine are available for consultation.
The dengue wards are a standing arrangement over the past years in the CCMC.
“All costs are free if it’s a dengue case,” he assured, from blood screening tests to hospital admission.
Panugaling said only 128 patients were admitted for dengue from January to September with two deaths in the emergency room.
He said the two deaths in July and September involved patients who expired before they were admitted in the hospital so he advised the public to immediately seek medical attention if a family member has high fever.
“Giawhag nato ang public nga ipadala dayon sa hospital even it’s a fever lang.” he said.
NO CURE
Dengue fever is an acute viral infection that affect infants, young children and adults.
The bite of an aedes aegypti mosquito infected with any of the four dengue viruses can cause the illness.
Signs and symptoms include high fever which may last from 2-7 days , joint and muscle pain, body weakness, skin rashes, nose bleeding when fever starts to subside.
No specific medicine is used to treat dengue nor is a vaccine available.
Mosquito control and prevention is the primary response.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has ordered a massive larvicide campaign to treat stagnant pools of water and potential breeding grounds.
Households and communities have to take the lead to “search and destroy” potential breeding sites where water collects in tin cans, used tires, flower pots, pails, and other containers.
Self-protection includes wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts as needed, and using a non-chemical mosquito repellent.
Putting window screens in the house, and cleaning surroundings, especially roof gutters where leaves and debris can cause rain water to accumulate, are important steps.
Consumers are also reminded to cover water storage like drums and pails, and to replace the water in flower vases frequently.
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