Cebu intensifies dengue response as rainy season pushes cases higher

Local

THE Cebu Provincial Government has intensified its dengue response as cases continue to increase during the rainy season.

As part of the strengthened effort, measures have been activated in hospitals to ensure faster assessment and treatment of suspected infections.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded 381 confirmed dengue cases across Cebu Province in July, prompting the activation of Dengue Fast Lanes in all 16 Capitol-run provincial and district hospitals.

Provincial Public Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan said the rise in cases requires close monitoring, but Cebu has not reached the threshold for a dengue outbreak.

"We'd say guarded. Dili pa matawag nga outbreak but just of concern because of the rise of the cases.

Epidemiologically, dili siya outbreak," Catalan said.

PHO surveillance showed 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 reported infections included Cordova and Dalaguete with 17 cases each, Sogod with 14, Danao City with 13, and Argao, Balamban, and Compostela with 12 cases each.

Catalan said dengue cases have been increasing over the past three months, with the rainy season contributing to the rise in infections.

"In the past three months ni-saka na jud ang cases," she said.

The Dengue Fast Lane system aims to shorten waiting time for patients by providing immediate assessment, quicker laboratory testing, closer monitoring, and early medical intervention.

Dr. Jenina Canoy, Chief of Hospital I, said Capitol hospitals have prepared medicines, intravenous fluids, medical supplies, and additional manpower to handle a possible increase in dengue admissions.

"Among gi-prepare ang hospitals jud nga ma-kompleto ang supplies necessary, to have these priority lanes for dengue patients so that they can be attended timely," Canoy said.

She said hospital preparations began before the rainy season, while local government units were reminded to strengthen dengue prevention activities in their communities.

"Ni-spike jud siya nu considering that we're in the rainy season," Canoy added.

Catalan clarified that the activation of fast lanes does not mean the province is experiencing an outbreak but serves as a preventive measure to prepare hospitals for possible increases in patient volume.

She urged residents experiencing dengue symptoms to seek medical attention early to prevent complications.

"We're really not here to cause panic or fear, but mao lang jud ni ang among gibalik-balik—early detection, early treatment saves lives," Catalan said.

"The earlier to seek care the better jud. Mao lang na among gi-advocate," she added.

Health officials are also monitoring blood supply availability, particularly for patients who may develop severe dengue and require transfusion.

Catalan said blood banks still have available supplies, although some blood components may become limited during periods of higher demand.

"Nihit jud... In my personal experience because I have a family friend nga nangita jud og dugo," she said.

To support blood reserves, Capitol hospitals plan to hold mobile blood donation drives every two to three months, while the Philippine Red Cross continues its bloodletting activities in schools, cities, and municipalities.

The provincial government will also conduct a blood donation campaign on Aug. 4 and 5 as part of the Capitol’s Wellness Caravan.(MyTVCebu)