CEBU CITY — Central Visayas has experienced a sudden rise in dengue cases for the past month, with the regional health agency reporting a total of 15,394 cases this year as of Aug. 17, 2024.

The surge marked a sharp increase from the June 12, 2024 data of 7,132 cases in the region.

Cebu province has the highest number of reported cases with 4,592 followed by Bohol with 5,165, Negros Oriental with 2,689 and Siquijor with 637 cases.

In highly urbanized areas, the situation remains critical.

Cebu City has reported 1,360 cases. Mandaue City has 437 cases and Lapu-Lapu City has recorded 504 cases.

Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, regional epidemiologist for the Department of Health (DoH) in Region 7, said the dengue cases are classified into confirmed, probable, and suspected categories.

Cañal said 8,839 cases have been confirmed, 5,105 cases are considered probable and 4,450 are suspected cases.

The World Health Organization defines a suspected case as someone with acute fever who lives in or has traveled to areas with dengue transmission.

Probable cases show additional indicators, such as the presence of IgM antibodies, while confirmed cases result from positive RT-PCR tests or viral isolation.

Cañal urged the public to stay vigilant and take preventive measures. She recommended boosting immunity, maintaining cleanliness, and following the 4S strategy.

The 4S stands for searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites, securing self-protection, seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging and misting in areas with high case counts.

Earlier, Dr. Ronald Jarvik Buscato of DoH-7 emphasized the need to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and use insect repellents to prevent bites.

He advised implementing fogging in areas with high case counts while focusing on cleanup efforts in less affected areas.

As dengue cases continue to rise, following these guidelines will be crucial in managing the outbreak and reducing the risk of further infections, he said.