Provincial DOH Warns Public of Dengue Fever this Rainy Season
The provincial Department of Health (DOH) in Negros Oriental warned the public of dengue fever this rainy season. Although there were only a few cases last year, it is important to be mindful and prevent getting sick.
Dengue Fever in Negros Oriental
According to the Negros Oriental Department of Health records, as of September 11, 2021, there is a total of 495 dengue fever cases and zero deaths. The 10 cities and municipalities with the highest dengue cases for the period covered are Dumaguete City (110), Siaton (74), Guihulngan City (66), Tanjay City (30), Sibulan (29), Bais City (28), Zamboanguita (26), Bayawan City (22), La Libertad (15), and Sta. Catalina (13). While the remainder of the infections were recorded in the other local government units.
This is 75% lower than last year’s figure for the same period, with last year having 1,963 cases and 3 deaths. According to the DOH Provincial Chief, Dr. Socrates Villamor, the low number of dengue cases is one of the results of quarantine restrictions where people’s movement is limited. However, he also explained that suspect dengue cases are subjected to swab testing for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as “routine”, considering that both diseases manifest similar symptoms such as high-grade fever.
“The rainy season has started, and we’ve had rains in the past days already and so we have to undertake the usual prevention measures against dengue but fortunately, we still have a low number of cases in the province,” he said in mixed English and Cebuano dialect.
How to Prevent Dengue Fever?
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can control mosquitos inside and outside your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers. Check inside and outside your home. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
Stay Safe & Stay at Home!
