Maasin City, Southern Leyte – The City Health Unit (CHU) continues its campaign against various diseases this season, particularly dengue, due to a significant rise in infections. City Information Officer II Lorraine Acasio reported that Dengue Coordinator Ada Madeline Buhe confirmed there have been 164 recorded cases in the city from January to July this year. Currently, four patients are hospitalized and receiving treatment.
This month alone, 13 new cases have been reported, with June seeing the highest number at 33. Most affected individuals are children aged 5 to 14. City Health Officer Dr. Francilisa Tan announced that on July 11, a fogging operation was carried out in Barangay Asuncion, where case clustering was observed, to reduce the mosquito population.
To combat the spread of dengue, the CHU has conducted six fogging operations across various barangays. According to health unit statistics, the barangays with the highest number of cases include Combado with 27 cases, followed by Mahayahay, Cabulihan, Badiang, and Asuncion with a total of 15, and Mantahan with 9 and Tagnipa with 7.
Officials emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness to prevent mosquito breeding, advising the elimination of stagnant water in canals and pots, covering water containers, regularly changing vase water, and using mosquito repellent. Symptoms of dengue include high fever, vomiting, headaches, body aches, rashes, and diarrhea. City Mayor Nacional Mercado urged all residents to unite in efforts to prevent the rise in dengue cases.
(Source: Dahlia Orit, Photo: C.D.C.)