FIGHTING DENGUE. The Department of Health (DOH) is raising public awareness about dengue fever. The agency on Monday (Aug. 12, 2024) urged hospitals to re-establish fast lanes for suspected dengue patients as the mosquito-borne disease has downed 6,058 residents in Eastern Visayas with 15 deaths this year. (Infographic courtesy of DOH)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) on Monday urged hospitals to re-establish fast lanes for suspected dengue patients as the mosquito-borne disease has downed 6,058 residents with 15 deaths this year.
The reactivation of dengue fast lanes will facilitate the prompt diagnosis and treatment of suspected dengue patients, according to the DOH.
“Health facilities are mandated to allocate a designated area within their premises as the dengue fast lane, ensuring efficient processing and management of dengue cases,” the DOH regional office here said in a statement.
Health facilities are also asked to arrange for the retraining of medical personnel involved in the management of dengue cases, focusing on prompt detection, appropriate triage, and treatment in accordance with established guidelines.
“Facilities must ensure an adequate supply of intravenous fluids, diagnostic tools such as dengue rapid diagnostic tests, and essential medications are readily available for patient care,” the DOH-8 added.
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 3, 2024, Eastern Visayas logged 6,058 dengue cases with 15 fatalities. This is 154 percent higher compared to the 2,386 cases during the same period last year.
Of all cases, 2,013 were recorded in Leyte province, 569 in Eastern Samar, 311 in Northern Samar, 1,739 in Samar, 585 in Southern Leyte, 106 in Biliran, 446 in Ormoc City, and 290 in Tacloban City.
The DOH-8 logged deaths in Hilongos and Merida towns in Leyte; Oras, Dolores, and Guiuan in Eastern Samar; San Antonio in Northern Samar; Matuguinao, Paranas, Pinabacdao, Calbayog City, Gandara, Catbalogan City, and Santa Margarita in Samar.
Ormoc City was placed under a state of calamity on Aug. 8 due to a significant rise in dengue cases since January this year. At least 19 out of its 85 villages have reported cases of the mosquito-borne disease.
Meanwhile, the health department reminded the public to carry out dengue prevention through the "5S" strategy, especially since the rainy season has started.
The 5S strategy against dengue includes Search and destroy, Self-protection measures, Seeking early consultation, Saying yes to fogging, and Starting and sustaining hydration.
The DOH also calls for activating the dengue brigade in villages and organizing a weekly simultaneous search and destroy activity to reduce the risk of dengue transmission and increase awareness.
Those with dengue warning signs such as abdominal pain, bleeding, frequent vomiting, lethargy, or restlessness are asked to seek early consultation.
Local governments are urged to provide policy and financial support through their disaster risk reduction and management plans for health, among others.
Dengue fever is marked by the onset of a sudden high fever, a severe headache, and pain behind the eyes, muscles, and joints.
Some may develop rashes and varying degrees of bleeding in different parts of the body.
The DOH asked city and town mayors to regularly organize cleanup campaigns focusing on destroying mosquito-breeding places in their areas. (PNA)
