Dengue fever cases are up by 15 percent and may continue to increase in Baguio City based on the monitoring of the City Health Services Office with the transition from el niño phenomenon to la niña season.
Dr. Donnabel Panes, Medical Officer of the City Health Services Office reported that dengue cases in the city had increased from 284 last year to 328 covering the same period of January to May this year.
“We are expecting an increase in dengue cases starting now because of the rainy season, that’s why the General Services Office is currently working double time in the city’s denguerra kasi mas maraming basura, mas maraming possible breeding sites.” she said.
Denguerra or the city’s war against dengue was launched in 2022 where the community are encouraged to join clean-up of possible mosquito breeding sites every Thursday.
Panes reiterated the importance of container management by cleaning and covering all possible breeding sites for mosquitoes, like drums, tires, flower pots, empty containers, and including plants that catch and store rainwater in their leaves.
The denguerra shows the city’s serious resolve to combat this health threat and encourages all residents to join in a united and concerted effort against the deadly disease caused by infected mosquitoes.
Panes said two days of fever followed by rashes are the most common symptoms of dengue and patients should seek consultation in the nearest medical facility for proper diagnosis.
“The most dangerous stage of dengue is when the fever goes down and you think you’re cured but most deaths occur due to late consultation and dehydration followed by organ failure,” the medical officer explained.
Other symptoms of dengue include vomiting, headache, joint pains, fatigue and pain behind the eyes.
A Dengue fast lane is available at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center with laboratory procedures for suspected cases, as was stated in the Baguio City Anti-Dengue Ordinance (Ordinance 16, 2016.). By JM Samidan
