
Mayor Michael Rama on Friday, June 24, said the dengue situation in the city is already alarming and that he is taking over to spearhead the campaign against the disease.
The city mayor was particularly concerned that the city has already recorded 16 dengue deaths this year.
“Dengue is no longer just a threat. The death of one is alarming. But of 16? It’s no joke at all. As mayor, I will now have to take over,” Rama said.
Rama said he will soon convene the concerned offices to come up with measures against dengue.
He added that he will also issue an executive order to set the guidelines “in this war against dengue.”
“We do not have to wait when this will become an outbreak. We must now declare war against it. Preventive medicine is key. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” Rama said.
Rama said dengue cases have to be quickly stopped from increasing especially that the city is still battling Covid-19.
“This new menace comes at a time while we are still in our road to recovery from the pandemic and the calamities. We can’t afford to allow us to face a triple whammy,” Rama said.
Data from Cebu City Health Department showed that the city has 1,254 dengue cases from January to June 23,
Barangays with high number of dengue cases are Guadaupe (115), Lahug (69), Tisa (60), Labangon (57), Pardo (52), Inayawan (47), Kamputhaw (43), Mambaling (42), Talamban (40), Punta Princesa (36), and Quiot (36).
Dr. Anton Oliver Reposar, medical director of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), assured that the CCMC is capable of handling dengue cases.
“For CCMC, we prepared the supplies for the patients of dengue. As of now, we have an augmentation from Department of Health as to NS1 dengue kits, and also we are waiting for the delivery of our procurement for 2022. Laboratory tests for dengue are free at CCMC,” said Reposar.