TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a sharp decrease in dengue cases across the region, raising hopes for an easing of the ongoing outbreak.
From September 15 to 21, 2024, or Morbidity Week 38, the DOH recorded 469 dengue cases, reflecting a 34% reduction compared to the 838 cases reported in the previous week (Morbidity Week 37, September 8-14).
Leyte continues to bear the brunt of the outbreak, accounting for 195 of the 469 cases. Southern Leyte followed with 114 cases, Samar with 101, Northern Samar with 38, Eastern Samar with 20, and Biliran with just one reported case.
Despite the encouraging decline, DOH regional information officer Jelyn Malibago Lopez emphasized that continued vigilance is essential.
“While the drop in cases is a promising sign, we cannot let our guard down. We are hopeful that this declining trend will persist throughout the rest of the year,” she said.
Lopez stressed that sustained cooperation from the public, particularly in organizing and participating in cleanup drives to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, is crucial to maintaining this downward trend.
Lopez also underscored the importance of community involvement in preventing future outbreaks, urging residents and local agencies to follow the advisories and guidelines issued by the DOH.
“We appeal to all sectors to remain engaged and compliant with the health protocols we’ve put in place. Community effort is key in the fight against dengue,” she added.
Despite the recent reduction in weekly cases, Eastern Visayas has reported alarmingly high cumulative dengue numbers for the year.
From January 1 to September 21, 2024, the region has logged a total of 12,931 cases, with 24 fatalities. This marks a staggering 335% increase from the same period in 2023, which saw only 2,970 cases and 9 deaths.
In response to the persistent threat of dengue, the DOH continues to urge the public to intensify the 4S Strategy, a comprehensive approach to combat the disease.
The 4S Strategy includes search and destroy mosquito breeding sites by eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes can lay eggs; seek early consultation by visiting healthcare providers at the first sign of symptoms, such as sudden high fever;self-protection by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved, light-colored clothing, and covering exposed skin to prevent mosquito bites; and support fogging operations in areas where outbreaks are predicted or ongoing.
To further bolster the region’s dengue response, hospitals and healthcare facilities across Eastern Visayas have been instructed to maintain dengue fast lanes, ensure adequate staffing, and stock essential dengue medications and supplies to provide prompt and effective care to patients.
The DOH Eastern Visayas remains committed to curbing the dengue outbreak and will continue to monitor the situation closely while working with local communities to prevent a resurgence in cases.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
