The last eight weeks have seen suspected dengue cases in Catanduanes surge by 293, with three of them reportedly succumbing to the deadly mosquito-borne infection.
Data from the Provincial Health Office showed that as of July 27, 2024, the total number of dengue suspect cases rose to 471, with 293 of them reported in the last eight weeks or from June 6 to July 27, coinciding with the start of the rainy season.
The capital town of Virac accounted for 212 of these new cases, or 72 percent of the total, followed by San Andres with 24, Bato with 14, Pandan with 12, Caramoran with 10, Viga with eight (8), and Baras and San Miguel with six (6) each.
Three-fourths of Virac’s new cases for the period came from just eight barangays: Hawan Grande, 73; Calatagan Tibang, 29; Sogod Tibgao, 14; Buenavista, 12; Cavinitan, 12; Hawan Ilaya, 7; Francia, 6; and San Isidro Village, 6.
In the other towns, the other barangays where at least three (3) dengue suspect cases were reported during the June-July period are: Guinobatan (3) in Bato; Datag East (3) in Caramoran; Agojo (5), Palawig (3) and Tominawog (3) in San Andres; San Vicente (3) in Bagamanoc; and Bagawang (6) in Pandan.
An unconfirmed report said that three deaths have been attributed to the infection: one from Hawan area in Virac who was brought to the Eastern Bicol Medical Center; one from Pandan who died at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Hospital; and one from Igang, Virac who expired while being treated at the Catanduanes Doctors Hospital, Inc.
The PHO’s Provincial Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (PESU) is closely monitoring the situation, with the respective Rural Health Units addressing the issue at the affected barangays.
It urged concerned barangay officials to practice the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABKD) by locating and cleaning possible mosquito breeding places like old tires, drums, pails and bottles, flower vases, cans, coconut shells and roof gutters.
Likewise, those who have fever for two days are advised to have themselves checked up at the nearest health center
The seven-month total of dengue suspect cases is nearly double the 281 cases recorded from January to November 2023.
Dengue fever is an infection caused by a virus carried by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, with the four types capable of inducing fever as well as fever with bleeding or dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Among the symptoms of dengue are the sudden onset of fever, splitting headache, pain at the back of the eyes, body and muscle pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and skin rash. Dengue could lead to death if not treated early.
The DOH has also called on the public to follow the “4S” protocol, which stands for Search and destruction of mosquito-breeding sites; Self-protection measures by wearing long pants and sleeves; Seeking early consultation; and Support for fogging or spraying.
It also urged residents to observe the 4 o’clock habit to search and destroy breeding places of mosquitoes inside their homes, workplaces or schools.