The Department of Health (DOH) has raised concerns over the surge of dengue fever cases in Eastern Visayas. They have reported an increase in infections and deaths compared to the previous year.
As of the first week of September 2024, a total of 11,624 have been infected, resulting in 23 deaths. This is a 316% increase, with only 2,796 cases and nine deaths recorded from the same period last year.
List of Affected Areas
Leyte has documented 3,596 cases overall, with 860 cases coming from Ormoc City and 552 from Tacloban City. Samar has reported 2,998 cases, while Southern Leyte has 1,861 cases. Eastern Samar has 898 cases, Northern Samar has 618, and Biliran has 231.
In response to the increasing numbers, DOH-Eastern Visayas has confirmed that a state of calamity has been declared in four cities and five municipalities in the region. These include Maasin in Southern Leyte; Ormoc, Kananga, Bato, and Isabel in Leyte; and Catbalogan, Calbayod, Paranas, and Gandara in Samar.
Under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (Republic Act 10121), a “state of calamity” is defined as “a condition involving mass casualty and/or major damages to property, disruption of means of livelihoods, roads and normal way of life of people in the affected areas as a result of the occurrence of natural or human-induced hazard”.
This declaration of a state of calamity allows the local government units (LGUs) to utilise quick response funds for these kinds of emergencies.
Slight Decrease in Recent Cases
DOH-Eastern Visayas has noted a slight decline in recent infections. According to the regional information officer, Jelyn Lopez-Malibago, 817 new cases were recorded for the first week of September. This is a 38% decrease in contrast to the 1,230 cases reported in the last week of August.
Ms. Lopez-Malibago has since called for the public and the LGUs to implement preventive measures to prevent a similar rise in cases in other localities.
DOH Calls for the Use of the 5S Strategy
Video: 5S strategy video from Calbayog LGU
The DOH has called for the reactivation of fast lanes for suspected dengue cases as it would ensure swift diagnoses and treatment. The department has also reminded the public to carry out dengue prevention with the use of the 5S strategy. The strategy is as follows:
Search and Destroy: This calls for the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds such as stagnant water in containers, plant pots, and gutters.
Self-protection Measures: This calls for the use of mosquito repellents, wearing of long-sleeved clothing, and installation of screens on doors and windows.
Seek Early Consultation: This calls for the early consultation of individuals showing symptoms of dengue, which include high fever, severe headaches, and joint pain.
Say Yes to Fogging: This calls for fogging, especially during outbreaks. This can help reduce the adult mosquito population.
Start and Sustain Hydration: It is crucial to stay hydrated, especially for those exhibiting dengue symptoms.
Read more: Reestablishment of Dengue Fast Lanes
