BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson ditched an initial plan to place the province under a state of calamity due to rising dengue cases.
Lacson on Monday had a meeting with Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Ernell Tumimbang to gauge the province’s dengue situation.
The PHO still has a budget of P3 million for its anti-dengue measures. A declaration of a “state of calamity” would mainly open up access for more funds to address the issue, he said.
So far, the dengue cases in Negros Occidental have not reached the outbreak threshold.
The governor said the provincial government will still take the lead in the campaign against dengue and will make more noise with local government units (LGUs), especially those with high number of cases.
Data released by the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas as of July 15 showed Negros Occidental with the highest number of newly-reported dengue cases at 185 or a total of 1,869 cases since January of this year.
Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus) mosquito. These mosquitoes also spread Zika, chikungunya, and other viruses.
Mild symptoms of dengue can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, aches and pains, or a rash.
The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following:
* Nausea, vomiting
* Rash
* Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States, symptoms of dengue typically last two to seven days. Most people will recover after about a week.
Some people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue.
Severe dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death.
Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24–48 hours after the fever has gone away.
Immediately go to a local clinic or emergency room if you or a family member has any of the following symptoms.
* Belly pain, tenderness
* Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
* Bleeding from the nose or gums
* Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
* Feeling tired, restless, or irritable/PN
