NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) –- The Provincial Health Office here is taking counter measures to curb further rise of dengue cases in Negros Occidental which topped the list of provinces and highly urbanized cities in the region with most number of cases.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, gave an update on the dengue cases status in the province with 1,126 cases from January until June 11 this year or a 486.46 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Tumimbang said the provincial government has focused in areas with high incidence or clustering of this strain in an effort to avert the increasing dengue cases.

taking Larvaecidal to prevent adult mosquito to prosper and to totally eliminate the mosquitoes

Meanwhile, the Department of Health Center for Health Development 6 reiterated the practice of 4S strategy- Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, Secure self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas against dengue.

Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, Medical Officer IV and Program Manager National Aedes-borne Viral Diseases Prevention and Control Program of the DOH 6, said in an interview that it is important for the LGUs to have localized tools based on their alert and epidemic threshold in reference to their dengue cases.

“We have monitored also Health Care Utilization Rate with regards to dengue and monitored increase in dengue admission but still manageable because cases are still managed at the LGU with their dengue fast lane.  LGU dengue fast lanes were activated to accommodate those with fever and other dengue symptoms, they will be referred to hospitals after assessment but those that can be managed with IV fluids and oral medications are sent home to decongest hospitals,” Tumimbang added. (AAL/EAD/PIA6 Negros Occidental)