DOH notes quick rise in dengue ‘hot zones’

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday identified more barangays around the country as dengue hot zones, after more than 84,000 cases have been reported since Jan. 1 this year.

From 47 barangays last week, the number of dengue hot zones shot to 80.

In the National Capital Region, declared hot zones were barangays Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City, and Batasan Hills, Fairview, Holy Spirit and Pinyahan in Quezon City.

“A hot zone means there is a clustering of cases. Clustering means the barangay has three or more cases for four consecutive weeks,” DOH spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag said.

He however said there was no outbreak of the disease.

“We expect the cases will increase because of the rain, floods. But we can do something to prevent that from happening. Get rid of sources of water where dengue mosquitoes could lay their eggs. Let’s keep our surroundings clean,” he said.

Apart from the NCR, hot spots were declared in the provinces of Apayao, Benguet, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Zambales, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, Antique, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Southern Leyte, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental.

Earlier, Tayag advised hospitals in the hot zones to activate their dengue express lanes.

The DOH had issued a directive reactivating dengue-dedicated lanes in public hospitals to hasten the admittance of dengue cases, both suspected and confirmed.

“Dengue express lanes are like a one-stop shop where patients, especially children with fever, can be assessed. There they are subjected to tests. Results are faster so they can immediately be advised if they need to be given oresol or IV fluids, or if they could continue their medication at home or need to be hospitalized,” Tayag said.

He said that from Jan. 1 to Aug. 6 this year, a total of 84,085 dengue cases were reported, including 372 deaths.

“The latest figure is 15.8 percent higher than the 72,627 cases reported in the same period last year,” he said.

Tayag called on the public to follow the government’s “4S” program against dengue.

“Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases may be prevented if we put our collective efforts together and start action within our homes through the 4S campaign,” he said.

“4S” stands for search and destroy mosquito breeding places; use self-protection measures; seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days, and say no to indiscriminate fogging.