Dengue Fever Cases Rise in Tagbilaran City, Officials Warn of Possible Outbreak
Dengue fever remains a significant concern in Tagbilaran City, with cases on the rise and health officials scrambling to implement mitigation efforts.
According to City Health Office spokesman Robin Culpa, 47 people were afflicted with dengue in July, with the majority of patients falling within the school-age group of 0 to 12 years old.
In an interview with NewsMakers ug Uban Pa, Culpa emphasized that preventing mosquito bites is key to protecting oneself from the disease. The Aedes egypti mosquito, a primary vector for the dengue virus, is particularly problematic as it frequently bites young children.
To combat the spread of the disease, health officials are working to eradicate mosquitoes and promote early detection. Culpa explained that mosquitoes transmit the virus from person to person through bites, making it essential to clean surroundings and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.
Culpa noted that dengue is more fatal than COVID-19, with more deaths attributed to the disease. He also warned that if an area is known to have dengue cases, mosquitoes in the area are presumed to be infected with the virus.
The Department of Health has raised alarm over the high number of dengue cases in Bohol, which has logged the most cases in Central Visayas. The DOH has forecasted a possible dengue outbreak in the last quarter of 2024 or first quarter of 2025.
Culpa urged residents to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease, including cleaning surroundings and removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed.
