Dengue cases increase
Dengue cases reported at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) have more than doubled in the first half of the year.
Hospital records show that 347 cases and two deaths were reported from January to June compared to 133 cases and three deaths reported in the same period last year.
There are more dengue cases but fewer deaths due to the disease, said Dr. Eduardo Sedoripa, CCMC hospital chief.
“This trend reflects aggressive and good dengue case management,” he said.
The trend shows that “people are becoming more aware and they are getting immediate medical attention.”
Unlike in previous years, CCMC is better prepared to address the city’s dengue situation, said the hospital chief.
“Dengue patients need fluid replacement. That is why we are preparing intravenous fluids,” Sedoripa said.
CCMC has a stockpile of IV fluids partly funded by P5 million in emergency funds approved for release by the City Council during last year’s dengue outbreak, said Dr. Myrna Go.
Of the amount, P2 million was given to CCMC while P3 million was apportioned to the City Health Office and the Department of Social Welfare and Services.
The government-run city hospital attended to a total of 65,434 patients from January to June 2011.
Most of them or 58,475 were outpatients and only 6,959 were confined in the hospital.
“One hundred percent of the patients who sought medical care were provided with the appropriate services needed,” said the CCMC report.
Of the 65,434 cases brought to the hospital, 347 were dengue related.
Sedoripa said CCMC management is trying to improve services in the hospital departments.
Five units of halogen gooseneck lamps are being used at the pediatric intensive care unit and neonatal special care unit.
A new X-ray machine has been added to the lone X-ray unit of the radiology department.
The hospital also established an endoscopy unit to help detect gastrointestinal disorders.
Brand new cardiac and suction machines are now available for patients who suffer cardiac arrest and respiratory disorders.
