Dengue fast lanes activated in Negros Occidental amid alarming increase in cases

FILE PHOTO: No to dengue. INQUIRER FILES

BACOLOD CITY — The Rural Health Units (RHUs) in the 31 towns and cities of Negros Occidental have activated their dengue fast lanes amid the alarming increase in cases in the province, said Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer on Tuesday, May 31.

The dengue cases in Negros Occidental have increased by 282 percent compared to last year.

Negros Occidental had 96 new dengue cases from May 15 to 21, bringing its total number of infections to 657 cases and five deaths.

The dengue situation in Negros Occidental has hit an alert threshold and with a few more cases could hit an epidemic threshold, Tumimbang said.

He said the RHU dengue fast lanes will prioritize patients with dengue symptoms that include sudden onset of fever plus two of the following: headache, body weakness, joint and muscle pains, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes.

The RHU fast lanes will serve as triage areas where patients can be subjected to antigen tests for dengue and where health personnel will determine if hospital referrals are needed or just home care, Tumimbang said.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the dengue situation in the province is alarming and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) is taking remedial measures. The PHO is reminding people to keep their surroundings clean to prevent the propagation of mosquitoes that are dengue carriers.

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Dengue cases rise by 282 percent in Negros Occidental