Dengue Kills 28 in Just 2 Months This Year in Central Visayas

28 have died of complication from the dengue virus in just the first two months of this year in Central Visayas, more than doubled than the number last 2018 in the same period.

There have been 3,681 dengue cases from January 1 to February 16 in this year according to the Department of Health Region 7 (DOH-7), a 233% increase compared to last year’s 1,105 cases and numbers are expected to rise.

The number of dengue virus cases were the highest in Cebu with 430 cases and 5 deaths, Lapu-Lapu CIty recorded the second highest with 361 cases with 1 death, Mandaue City had 206 cases and 1 death.

Other fatalities were from:

• Balamban, Cebu: 2
• San Remigio, Cebu: 2
• Toledo City, Cebu: 2
• Tagbilaran City, Bohol: 2
• Talisay City, Cebu: 1
• Bogo, Cebu: 1
• Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental: 1
• Alcantara, Cebu: 1
• Bantayan, Cebu: 1
• Cordova, Cebu: 1
• Daanbantayan, Cebu: 1
• Pinamungahan, Cebu: 1
• Poro, Cebu: 1
• Sibonga, Cebu: 1
• Tuburan, Cebu: 1
• Manjuyod, Negros Oriental: 1
• Baclayon, Bohol: 1

On February 13, 2019, DOH-7 already recommended to declare a dengue outbreak in 9 towns and cities in the region: Lapu-Lapu City and Sibonga in Cebu Province, Lazi a town in Siquijor, and Tagbilaran City, Clarin, Dauis, Trinidad, Cortes, and Loon in Bohol.

The towns that were recommended to declare an outbreak should comply as they have already exceeded the threshold for dengue cases. (ASC)