WHILE the number of measles cases in Central Visayas significantly dropped in the first half of 2020, the number of people who contracted dengue fever in the same period increased.
Based on the 23rd morbidity week situational report of the Department of Health in Central Visayas-Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (DOH 7-Resu), a total of 8,724 dengue cases with 31 deaths were reported from different disease reporting units in the region for the period of Jan. 1 to June 6.
This is 2.34 percent higher compared to the same period last year, which reported 8,524 cases.
But the number of fatalities from January to June 6 last year was higher, with 55 recorded deaths.
Resu records also showed that most of the affected were under the six to 10 years old age group.
The top five localities in Central Visayas with the highest dengue prevalence are Cebu City with 1,154 cases (including six deaths); Lapu-Lapu City with 697 cases; Mandaue City with 367 cases (one death); Talibon, Bohol with 365 cases (two deaths); and Carcar City with 311 cases.
The DOH declared a national dengue epidemic in August last year due to the high number of cases and deaths reported from January to July.
Meanwhile, Resu recorded a significant drop in the number of measles cases in Central Visayas this year. It is 96 percent lower compared to the same period last year with 1,994 cases and 15 deaths.
Measles, according to the World Health Organization, is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus passed from one person to another through direct contact and through air.
The DOH declared measles outbreaks in five regions in the Philippines—Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Region 4A), Western Visayas (Region 6), and Central Visayas (Region 7).
The province with the highest reported number of cases is Cebu with 31 cases. Siquijor followed with 28 cases, Negros Oriental with 21 cases and Bohol with five cases. (WBS)