Mosquitoes bring sickness and death to Eastern Visayas.
Just when many thought the dengue cases in 2023 was bad, the mosquito-borne disease is back with twice more damage than before.
As of this writing, the Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas had already recorded 5,730 cases with 13 deaths from January to August this year.
This data is already alarming compared to the number of cases during the same period last year which was at 2,386 cases and seven deaths.
Leyte recorded the most cases at 2,408 with two recorded deaths. This is followed by the province of Samar with 1,626 cases and eight deaths.
Southern Leyte also recorded 785 cases, Eastern Samar 542 cases and two death, Northern Samar with 283 cases and one death, 86 cases in Biliran.
Due to this, Ormoc City was the first and only area to declare a state of calamity since August 8.
Nineteen of its 85 barangays have already reported a significant number of cases in the communities with the numbers currently at 387 as of this writing.
PhilHealth Assists
Despite the influx, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Eastern Visayas assured the public that there are enough funds for the beneficiaries to assist their medical needs.
“We implemented an across the board increase in the packages, increasing the benefits for dengue patients from P10,000 to P13,000 starting last February,” PhilHealth Vice president Ronald Jabay said.
In 2022, 4,294 claims were made and P43,548,662.47 was released for the entire year.
On the other hand, 4,687 claimants were able to receive a total of P40,252,113.72 for the entire year of 2023.
What is concerning is that 2024 records a total of 4,063 claimants who benefitted a total of P44,688,578.68 from January to August 9. Based on the latest data, it can be assumed that the number of claimants will also double.
5S Strategy
As a preventive measure, the health department reminded the public to carry out dengue prevention through the "5S" strategy, especially since the rainy season has started.
The 5S strategy against dengue includes Search and destroy, Self-protection measures, seeking early consultation, saying yes to fogging, and starting and sustaining hydration.
The DOH also calls for activating the dengue brigade in villages and organizing a weekly simultaneous search and destroy activity to reduce the risk of dengue transmission and increase awareness.
Local governments are also urged to provide policy and financial support through their disaster risk reduction and management plans for health, among others.
Avoid DIY Cures
With the presented data, health workers urge the public to consult doctors and skip the home remedies before the patient’s condition gets worse.
The most common remedy in the province is the consumption a tea made from boiled weed called “gatas gatas” which is believed to cure dengue.
While some says the practice to be effective, no clinical studies are yet done to prove the claims and it is still best to seek medical help in the first signs of dengue.
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