Thirteen people have died due to dengue in Zamboanga City, according to their city health officer on Tuesday.
The city has declared a dengue outbreak after recording 893 cases of dengue since January.
“These include dengue preventive measures meant to stop the disease vector, which is the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The public is being advised as to the risks, and what actions they can do to protect against the disease,” it said in a statement.
“There are also Dengue Fast lanes and Separate Rooms in hospitals for those who will fall ill. Insecticide treated curtains and screens are likewise being used in health facilities of the region.”
Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite of the Zamboanga City Health Office said dengue cases have increased due to the rains in recent months.
“Based on our data previously, nakikita natin na talagang every 2 to 3 years, tumataas po ‘yung cases ng dengue dito sa city. So ‘yung last outbreak po namin was 2019,” she said in an interview with TeleRadyo.
Aged 1 month to 11 years old died due to dengue in the city.
The City Health Office is already working with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to intensify the 4S strategy against the disease in the barangays:
- Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites
- Self-protection measures
- Seek early consultation of symptoms
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13 dies of dengue in Zamboanga City this year
- Support spraying/fogging to prevent further outbreaks
These include keeping the environment clean, wearing long pants and long sleeves, using mosquito repellant, and fumigation or misting in areas with high dengue cases.
Miravite added that the dengue fast lane is also being implemented in hospitals.
She also advised the public to consult a doctor immediately if experiencing dengue symptoms, such as fever and body aches. This is because he said the symptoms of COVID-19 and dengue are the same.
“Actually, we have cases na infected siya with dengue and then infected din with COVID,” said Miravite.
The public may reach the DOH Zamboanga Center for Health Development (CHD) through mobile (0947-646-7663), (0995-844-1783); or landline (+63-62-983-0314).
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