CENTRAL Visayas is not among the seven of the 17 regions that have passed the epidemic threshold.
Cebu, however, already has 3,592 cases since the year started until August. The figure is almost twice the 1,928 cases in the same period in 2018. And although the number of cases went down in recent months from a year-starter peak, the overall data still registers a dramatic spike nevertheless.
In July, there were 479 cases in Cebu, said Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Christina Giango. “This is below the threshold,” she assures.
An epidemic threshold is the critical number of cases required before government can declare an epidemic. The computational variables differ in each region, factoring in population and morbidity rate.
The Cebu Provincial Government is not taking any chances. The PHO will oversee the health education programs and cleanup campaigns to eliminate breeding sites of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Entomology studies, Giango said, are also conducted in key areas of the province. In case of vector presence, misting will promptly follow. The district and provincial hospitals are also on alert for cases in their areas.
While the logistics are in place, there is the looming downpour that the season brings for the rest of the year. Stagnant waters are perfect breeding sites for mosquitoes, strengthening that link in the chain of infection. Not to mention an unprotected populace ever since the dengue vaccination program was stalled after politics trained its sights on Dengvaxia.
Consider the degree of separation you had from the last dengue victim, and that’s about how the threat is closing in unto your doorstep. It can’t be taken lightly; it’s an expensive ailment, and costly for public health.
There’s a 4S strategy that our health department is making the public aware of. One, search and destroy breeding places. Two, employ self-protective measures (clothing, insect repellants). Three, seek consultation at the slightest hint of the disease. Four, say yes to fogging in case of an impending outbreak.
We may add a fifth S. Spare this public health issue from the fangs of politics.