BAGUIO CITY — Dengue cases are up by 15 percent and may continue to increase in Baguio City with the entry of the rainy season, the City Health Services Office (CHSO) said on Monday.
Dr. Donnabel Panes, medical officer of the CHSO, 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," Panes said.
"Denguerra" or the city's war against dengue was launched in 2022 where the community are encouraged to join the cleanup 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 program 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," Panes said.
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.
Covid vaccines needed
The CHSO, meanwhile, has requested the Department of Health to procure and supply local health centers with Covid-19 vaccines.
Panes said the CHSO has recorded 11 Covid cases over the past week, mostly reinfections.
Of the 11 cases, six have recovered and five are still active, she said.
"Most of our Covid cases have mild symptoms but one is severe," Panes said. "Most of the recently reported cases were unvaccinated, which is mostly the case."
With no more supply of Covid vaccines, the city hopes that the health department will prioritize the procurement of vaccines to cater to children below five years old who have not been vaccinated as they were out of the target population.
A total of 47,491 individuals had been infected with Covid-19 since 2019 and 928 have died of the virus.