FOGGING OPERATION. A fogging operation in Cebu City in this undated photo. The Department of Health 7 (Central Visayas) on Wednesday (June 19, 2024) urged the public to continue the practice of the 4S strategy in combating dengue after the region reported nearly 7,000 cases in the first half of 2024. (PNA file photo)
CEBU CITY – Central Visayas reported an increase in dengue cases even during high temperatures, with almost 7,000 incidents recorded in the first semester of 2024, a health official said on Wednesday.
The region posted 6,968 dengue cases with 18 deaths from January to June, according to Dr. Ronald Jarvik Buscato, medical officer of the Department of Health (DOH) 7’s (Central Visayas) Communicable Diseases Section.
This was 95 percent higher compared to the same period last year, Buscato said, noting that the cases rose even at the height of the dry spell.
He attributed the spike in dengue cases to the practice of storing water amid dry spells, which gave dengue mosquitoes instant breeding sites.
“Warmer environment actually speeds up the metabolism of mosquitoes,” Buscato said in a news forum.
Central Visayas placed fourth among the regions with high dengue cases.
The health official, however, did not identify which province has the highest concentration of dengue cases, except that the cases were recorded in rural areas.
“The cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue used to be the top 3 but it’s a good sign that these highly urbanized cities are no longer in the top 3,” he said.
Buscato urged the people in the region to practice the 4S strategy in combating dengue and support government-initiated anti-dengue mosquito misting operations.
The 4S stands for Search and destroy breeding sites, use Self-protection measures, such as wearing long sleeves and using insect repellents, Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days, and Support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas where an increase in dengue cases is recorded. (PNA)
