CEBU CITY – The City Health Department has recommended the declaration of a state of public health emergency here due to increasing dengue cases.
Dr. Daisy Villa, who made the recommendation to acting Mayor Raymond Garcia, said that the declaration will help combat rising cases.
She said the health emergency will encourage residents to be more vigilant by strictly observing anti-dengue measures that authorities have set to prevent the spread of the viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people.
The Department of Health-Central Visayas showed that 597 dengue cases and eight deaths have been recorded in this city as of September 6, compared to last year with 27 and zero deaths.
VIlla said the cooperation of the entire community is needed to prevent the spread of dengue.
“It is not only us who should work. Not only the city officials who should initiate clean-up drives. It should be the whole community, the whole Cebu City,” Villa said.
Garcia will meet Villa and other city officials for the proposed public health emergency declaration.
Residents were asked to always adopt the 4s strategy.
The strategy includes searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites, securing self-protection, seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging and misting in high-case areas.
Common symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and rash.
The Department of Health-7 warned that if left untreated, dengue can progress to more severe forms, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, both of which can be fatal.