Negros Occidental acts to check dengue surge

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The Negros Occidental provincial government is reactivating the Provincial Task Force on Dengue Fever because of an increase in the incidence of the disease, which has caused the death of at least 10 people in the province so far this year.

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. announced the reactivation of the task force on Wednesday after the Provincial Health Office reported an increase of 193 percent in the incidence of dengue: 1,302 cases from January 1 to July 27 this year compared to 444 cases in the same period last year.

Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Health Office, said eight persons had died from dengue from January 1 to July 17 in Himamaylan City, Murcia, Sipalay City, San Carlos City and Murcia. However Tumimbang told the Inquirer later in the afternoon that two more had died, Jay-R Llena, 14, of Concepcion, Talisay, on July 25, and Jade Anasta, 6, on July 27.

Marañon said he issued an executive order reactivating the dengue task force with Board Member Melvin Ibañez and Tumimbang as co-chair.

The other members of the task force include representatives from the Philippine National Red Cross, Inter-Local Health Zone, a civic organization, and the Department of Health, he said.

Marañon said the provincial government will allocate P500,000 to step up an information drive.

The public should take preventive measures against dengue and clean their surroundings, the governor said.

To prevent the spread of dengue, the health office has recommended the trimming of vegetation overgrowth, the immediate repair of leaking water lines, the clearing creeks of accumulated solid waste and the periodic cleaning of school fountains and fishponds, Tumimbang said.

The PHO is also calling for the implementation of the 4S drive — search and destroy mosquito breeding places, safe protection measures, seek early consultation and treatment, and say no to indiscriminate fogging, he added.

They were also pushing for the activation and support of the National Voluntary Blood Donation Program for sufficient supply of blood and blood products, and of dengue fast lanes at hospitals, Tumimbang said.

Ibañez said a health forum would be held next week to present a treatment protocol on dengue in Negros Occidental, and a conference on dengue at a later date.