CEBU CITY – Persistent rainy days bring a rising risk of dengue, authorities warned Saturday.
The Cebu provincial government has intensified its dengue response by activating hospital measures to ensure faster assessment and treatment of suspected dengue cases.
With 381 confirmed cases across the province in July, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported that dengue infections are rising.
“There is a spike considering that we're in the rainy season," Dr. Jenina Canoy, Provincial Health Officer 1, said.
Canoy said dengue fast lanes in all 16 Capitol-run provincial and district hospitals have been activated.
Capitol health consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan said there is no dengue outbreak in the province but the increasing cases require close monitoring.
“We'd stay guarded. We cannot call it an outbreak but just of concern because of the rise of the cases,” Catalan told reporters.
PHO data showed that Toledo City recorded the highest number of dengue cases with 49, followed by Barili with 39, Talisay City with 34, Consolacion with 33, and Carcar City and Medellin with 19 cases each.
Other areas with dengue cases were Cordova and Dalaguete with 17 cases each, Sogod with 14, Danao City with 13, and Argao, Balamban, and Compostela with 12 cases each.
"In the past three months, dengue cases have really increased,” Catalan added.
Through the fast lane system, waiting time will be shortened with patients receiving immediate assessment, quicker laboratory testing, closer monitoring, and early medical intervention.