ABOUT 2,601 dengue cases with 18 deaths were recorded in Central Visayas from January to August this year, health authorities said yesterday.
According to the Regional Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit of Central Visayas (RESU-7), the number is still lower than the 4,810 cases with 37 deaths recorded for the same period last year.
Affected patients are between one month old to 79 years old. Cebu City still had the most number of dengue cases in the region with 917 patients and eight deaths followed by Lapu-Lapu City with 161 cases and one death.
Mandaue City came next with 151 cases and one death. Acting DOH-7 chief Dr. Angelita Salarda said Cebu City is a populated area which explains the high number of dengue cases.
In the wake of last year’s dengue outbreak Salarda said they continued to intensify their advocacy against dengue like promoting clean up drives on schools and communities.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona also warned Filipinos against complacency after their latest report show that nationwide dengue cases from January to July 23 this year now reached 38,876.
The number is still lower than the 52,428 cases recorded for the same period last year.
The DOH already declared dengue outbreaks in Northern Luzon. Local health officials urged communities to clean up possible breeding places for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
These include flower vases, dish drains, old tires, roof gutters and used cans.
Water receptacles should also be covered and the areas inside and outside homes should be cleaned, they said.
School officials are also reminded to teach parents and children on how to eliminate dengue breeding places at home. /Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya