Bacolod City – The Provincial Health Office has ordered the activation of dengue fast lanes in all Capitol-managed hospitals, in connection with the increasing number of dengue cases in Negros Occidental.
This developed as Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson recently expressed alarmed over the increasing number of dengue cases, which usually takes place every three years.
Lacson however said the PHO is aware of the situation, and is taking remedial measures, mostly reminding people to keep their respective places clean and remove stagnant water.
On the other hand, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang said that all patients who show symptoms or were already diagnosed with dengue should be given priority for treatment.
But he said there is no need yet to declare a dengue outbreak in the province as of this time.
Records of the Department of Health Western Visayas show that Negros Occidental has 657 dengue cases, with 139 cases in Bacolod City, as of May 21.
Nine dengue related deaths were also reported in Negros Occidental, including highly urbanized Bacolod City.
The PHO earlier ordered the activation of the anti-dengue task force to deal with the rising cases in all towns and cities in Negros Occidental.
Dengue can cause a severe flu-like illness that could be fatal when not managed appropriately. Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)