Philippines: At least 14 deaths from dengue fever reported in Central Visayas

Event

Health officials confirmed the deaths of 14 people from dengue fever in Central Visayas region between January 1 and January 26, out of a total of 1657 cases. The figure is a 250 percent increase from the same period in 2018. Of the 1657 cases, 1008 were recorded in Cebu province along with 11 deaths. Government mosquito fumigation and breeding ground elimination efforts are ongoing, though encountering some resistance from residents. Further spread of the disease in Central Visayas region is expected in the coming weeks.

Context

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease found mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals present in Central Visayas region are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds on their properties (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).